8 
ELLIOTT NUR SER Y COM PANY, PITTSBURG, PA. 
The Oak-Leaved Hydrangea 
(Hydrangea quercifolia) 
With the great range in soils, exposures, and light and shade condi¬ 
tions involved in the territory from which the plants are shipped, 
it is possible to make a selection of plants that will meet any of the 
requirements necessary to fit such peculiar conditions as may be 
present where planting operations are contemplated. Price on 
application. 
Artificial Grouping of Rhododendron maximum, on Grounds of 
William Rockefeller, Tarrytown, N. Y. 
Rhododendron maximum 
IN CAR-LOAD LOTS 
Rhododendron maximum, commonly known as the Large-leaved 
Laurel, grows wild over a large extent of territory in this country, 
but usually under such conditions that it is impossible to successfully 
transplant it. I have found a source of supply where, although the 
plants are growing wild, they are in as good condition as if growing 
in a nursery, and of course can be supplied at one-fifth the cost of 
nursery-grown stock. The value of this Rhododendron for planting 
in quantity in country places cannot be overestimated. It is perfectly 
hardy, thrives in sun, partial or full shade; extremely showy when 
in bloom in July, the large heads of flowers being white or blush- 
white, ami on account of its bold evergreen foliage is extremely 
effective throughout the year. It is fine for naturalizing in the woods 
or the edge of the wood. It has been used this way by the hundred 
car-loads on the grounds of Mr. William Rockefeller, near Tarrytown, 
N. Y., and the head gardener there reports that the loss in transplant¬ 
ing did not average one plant to the car-load. My own experience 
has been the same. 1 have used great 
quantities on the grounds of my 
idients and practically have not lost 
a plant, and nothing I have used has 
been so immediately effective or 
satisfactory. 
CAR-LOAD LOTS, which constitute 
the most economical method of pur¬ 
chase, represent a great variation 
in the number of plants per car. In 
some instances, where very large 
specimen plants are wished, 7 to 10 
feet in height and with a correspond¬ 
ing breadth, it is impossible to get 
more than twenty-five to fifty plants 
in a car; and, on the other hand, 
where plants of an even grade, say 
2 feet in height, are ordered, it is 
possible to get from two to four 
hundred plants in a car; but in this 
case the quantity depends on whether 
very bushy plants from open, sunny 
exposures nro desired, or the more 
pliable plants that grow under heavy 
shade conditions are selected. While 
the method of grouping has much to 
do with the question of area covered 
by a car-load of plants, yet a moderate 
estimate would be that of a covering 
value of one-tenth acre per ear. 
The Oak-Leaved Hydrangea, although a native shrub, is one of 
the rarest and, in my estimation, one of the most beautiful and pic¬ 
turesque in cultivation. Flowers, foliage and habit all combine to 
make it most striking, and it should be included in every planting 
list. It is rather dwarf and spreading, and plants over 3 feet high 
gre not often seen. As the plants gain age and strength they assume 
a picturesque relation to the surroundings that gives them a unique 
value. I have secured a small stock of nice plants, which I do not 
expect will last half through the season; wherefore early orders are 
suggested, to avoid disappointment. 50 cts. each, $5 per doz. 
Kalmia latifolia 
Kalmia latifolia, commonly known as Mountain Laurel, is the 
most beautiful of all evergreen shrubs. Like the Rhododendron it 
likes a light, loose soil that is free from lime, and will grow in either 
sun or shade but will flower more freely in the sun. The flowers are 
wheel-shaped and set in close corymbs on the end of the stems, 
pure white to pink, and appear in June in such profusion as to 
almost hide the foliage. It is only of late years that American 
planters have awakened to the beauty and value of this native shrub 
in all proper locations, though it has been highly esteemed and 
largely planted in Europe for many years. In numerous show places 
in England the collection of "American plants" to which a visitor is 
conducted with pride, is made notable by our Mountain Laurel, 
which can so readily be established in proper locations anywhere in 
the United States. Collected specimens are not so useful as nursery- 
grown plants, which transplant with entire safety. Fine nursery- 
grown plants, 25 cts. each, $2.50 per doz.; 50 cts. each, $5 per doz.; 
75 cts. each, $8 per doz.; $1 each, $10 per doz.; according to size. 
Kalmia latifolia. 
