3Eit)ol]iobenDron ^ocut;) ^otesi 
SHADE TREES FOR RHODODENDRONS. 
Contributed by Charles Eley. 
The question as to what trees are the most desirable neighbours for 
Rhododendrons is obviously one which is of the first importance to planters. 
The writer has during the last two years obtained the opinions of several 
people whose experience is valued and has tried to express them in the form of 
a Note, in the hope that, in future numbers, other Members will be tempted to 
add their experiences and observations. The subject grows in scope the more 
closely it is examined and opens a far larger field for examination and controversy 
than it is possible to cover in a Note such as this. It is not intended to discuss 
the question of sheltering the plants from wind ; but only to consider what trees 
it is best to use to give the plants that protection from the sun which experience 
has proved to be desirable in this climate. 
The subject divides naturally into two main points : firstly, the density of the 
shade and secondly, the effect of the selected trees upon the surrounding soil. 
Upon the second of these points an immense amount might be written, as 
within it, is wrapped up the perplexing question of the natural regeneration of 
Rhododendrons and so necessarily involves also methods by which they can best 
be artificially raised from seed. 
And if, as I believe has been asserted on high authority, the seedlings under 
natural conditions pass the early stages of their career under some form of 
symbiosis, it is obvious that the trees best suited to shade and assist both the 
plants and their seedlings are a matter for careful consideration. 
But further exploration of this particular thicket of controversy must be left 
for another occasion. 
The replies received show remarkable diversity of opinion, and the wiiter has 
confined himself to mentioning only those trees regarding which some unanimity 
is shown. 
All are agreed that the common oak is best, also that the slowness of its 
growth piactically puts it out of court from the planter’s point of view. 
Several correspondents agree with the writer that the best tree from the 
planter’s point of view is Quercus Cerris, not only on account of the rapidity 
of its growth and the diffuse quality of its shade but also because it is observed 
that Rhododendrons thrive in its proximity. 
In India it is noted that Quercus incana is the tree which is most frequently 
found growing in company with Rhododendrons, and similarly in America the 
majority of the Azalea species are reported to thrive best in open oak woods. 
Is the suitability of the oak due to any possibility that it does not draw its 
moisture from around its perimeter as in the case of most other trees, or that its 
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