22 
AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL NATIVE SHRUBS 
DIRECTIONS FOR PLANTING AND CARE 
It is easy to grow native Rhododendrons, Kalmias and Azaleas. The two 
main essentials are an acid soil and a good drainage. The following directions 
will cover any problems the layman is likely to have, and additional information 
regarding care is supplied with each order. 
When the plants are received unpack and water them. They may be tender 
from the several days confinement so do not expose them at once to the full sun 
and wind as this may cause burning. 
DRAINAGE: Acid, porous soil with good drainage is essential. Water 
must not be allowed to stagnate around the roots and make the ground sour. 
Never allow the roots of your Rhododendrons to become dry and remember 
that it is just as necessary to water in the fall as at any other time, so the plants 
can store up the required energy to carry them through the winter. Do not hill 
around the plants but leave a basin so the water will reach the roots. If your 
soil is composed of clay, or some like material which does not drain well, break 
it up by mixing with it sand, small pebbles, old hardwood sawdust or peat 
moss. 
Do not plant so near buildings that rainfall cannot reach the plants, nor 
too close to soft maples or other trees whose roots come near the surface absorb¬ 
ing the moisture. Avoid manure unless very well rotted. 
MULCH: Mulch is a term applied to the covering placed over the top 
of the ground to keep it from drying out during the summer. In the winter it 
prevents freezing and thawing. This mulch may be dead leaves, old hardwood 
sawdust, peat moss or some other vegetable material. Oats, rye, wheat and 
buckwheat straw can be used if necessary. 
If you object to using leaves as a mulch on account of the untidy appear¬ 
ance, and your ground surface is flat, peat moss or old hardwood sawdust will 
be ideal. Do not use stable manure or fresh mown grass. It is important to 
keep plenty of mulch on the entire year. If it packs and prevents the passing of 
air to the soil it should be shaken up. Weeds must be pulled by hand, as a hoe 
may cut the roots of the plants which grow near the surface and into the mulch. 
PLANTING DEPTH: Plant to the same depth as ball of earth shows. 
See illustration. Be careful not to plant deep for these plants are surface 
feeders. Press soil firmly but do not pack and press too hard or the fibrous 
roots may be torn from the main stems. Avoid “air-pockets” under the plants. 
ball 
, CROWN 1 
(KEEP Son L A WAy)J 
<e-T PERMANENT] 
[SO/L LEVEL] 
"not more than 
1 INCH SOIL OVER 
EDGE OF BALL. 
