GROWING 

By MAURICE VAN HOLLEBEKE 
A well arranged group of Rhododen- 
drons in full bloom is garden beauty at its 
best. Gardeners of the Pacific Northwest 
are particularly fortunate in that Rhodo- 
dendrons are native of this region, so 
naturally react favorably to our general 
soil and climatic conditions. However, like 
any plant, proper care in feeding, spray- 
ing, pruning, and cultivation greatly re- 
ward the gardener. 
WHEN TO PLANT 
If you are not concerned too greatly 
about blooms the first season, you can 
safely plant Rhododendrons practically 
any month in the year. The shrubs have 
been transplanted several times at the 
nursery before you buy them. They will 
have a good ball of dirt protecting the 
entire root system, preventing the danger 
of root shock. Use plenty of water at the 
time of setting out, regardless of the 
time of year. ’ 
If blooms are important the first sea- 
son you should make your planting late 
in the fall, after buds have been fully 
developed, or from then on until blossoms 
start to open in early spring. 
HOW TO PLANT 
As in all good gardening, soil prepara- 
tion prior to planting is very important. 
Rhododendrons are surface plants, there- 
fore, close, deep cultivation is not ad- 
visable after the plant is established. Soil 
must be properly prepared and deeply cul- 
tivated in advance so the shrub may enjoy 
healthy root growth for many years. 
Liberal use of peat moss can’t be over 
emphasized. A soil mixture containing 
25% peat is ideal, and should be prepared 
to a depth of 12 inches. For Rhododen- 
drons, the use of peat moss is preferred to 
other types of humus as it creates an acid 
condition in addition to holding moisture 
and opening the soil. 
Like all surface rooting plants, these 
shrubs should not be planted deep. Dig 
the hole about an inch deeper than the 
ball. Set the shrub and then fill the re- 
mainder of the hole with water. Let this 
soak in to the balled root and surrounding 
soil and then fill in with soil, pressing 
well all around the roots. Water the area 
again with a solution containing a half 
cup of plant food per gallon of water. 
WHERE TO PLANT 
With proper care and selection of va- 
rieties, Rhododendrons can be success- 
fully grown in almost any spot in your 
garden. It is true that generally these 
shrubs prefer a semi-shady location. How- 
ever, there are varieties such as Christmas 
Cheer, Unique and Unknown Warrior that 
have an early blooming season and will do 
very well right out in the open. Your 
local nurseryman can assist you in select- 
ing varieties for various locations. Just 
remember, you are not limited to shady 
spots. 
FERTILIZE IN SPRING 
It is now possible to buy a specially 
prepared plant food for Rhododendrons 
and other acid loving plants. This special 
fertilizer contains the correct amounts of 
the various elements required for best 
results. 
Apply fertilizer just as the color starts 
to show on the buds. Ring the plant with 
about two handfuls of plant food, using 
the circumference of the shrub as a guide 
for the size of the ring. Work the material 
into the soil and water. The reason for 
using the blooming season rather than a 
specific date for a feeding schedule is that 
many varieies have different blooming 
seasons, and the application of plant food 
in advance of the correct time will likely 
force the buds into new growth, thus re- 
ducing the length of blooming time. 
Avoid calcium _ fertilizers 
those consisting mainly of nitrates. 
lime, and 
PEST CONTROL 
Strawberry Root Weevil is the principal 
pest to guard against. These black, hard 
shell bugs attack young leaves in the 
spring, eating holes in the center and 
around the edge. They later transform into 
grubs, going into the soil and feeding on 
tender roots and stems near the surface. 
An application of Ortho Appo Bait around 
the base of the shrub in spring and fall 
will control these pests. Added protection 
may be necessary where the pest has had 
an opportunity to become well established. 
In this case, dust the plant with Botano 
DeLuxe every two weeks, allowing a quan- 
tity of the dust to cover the ground. 
Botano DeLuxe is also effective in con- 
trolling White Fly and Thrips which some- 
times attack Rhododendrons. The signs to 
look for . . . stippled and pale appearance 
of leaves. Undersides spotted with dark, 
resinous material. 
Established shrubs should be watered 
well all during the budding season. When 
necessary, pruning should be done at the 
conclusion of the blooming season, be- 
fore the plant starts to put out new 
growth. As soon as the blossoms wither 
they should be removed at the base of the 
flower. Care should be used as it is at 
this point that growth of next year’s 
blooms begins. 
VARIETIES 
With the choice of hundreds of beauti- 
ful varieties it becomes very difficult to 
advise any limited list as ‘best to plant’’. 
Therefore, it seems best to name a few 
of the more popular varieties that are 
obtainable at prices within the average 
person’s means. 
Alice: Brilliant pink. 
Britannia: Crimson red. 
Cynthia: Rose red. 
Eureka Maid: Deep pink. 
Queen of May: White with red specks. 
Goldsworth Yellow: Apricot yellow. 
Pink Pearl: Shell pink. 
Unknown Warrior: Bright red. 
Purple Splendor: Deep purple, dash amber. 
Doncaster: Scarlet crimson. 
Mrs. G. W. Leak: Pink with dark blotch. 
Mrs. de la Mare: Lily white. 
Lord Roberts: Dark red, black blotch. 
Christmas Cheer: Blush pink, dwarf. 
Unique. Lemon yellow. 
Pygmallion: Scarlet crimson, black spot. 
Decorum: Creamy white, fragrant. 
Here, also is a list of some of the more 
outstanding varieties that are not as com- 
monly known as those above: Earl of Ath- 
lone, Beauty of Littleworth, Loderi, King 
George, Mars, Butterfly, Mrs. Turnival, 
Mrs. E. C. Sterling, Dawns Delight, Lus- 
combei, Josephine, Mother of Pearl, John 
Walker and Lady Primrose. 
Space does not permit the listing of 
many other lovely varieties. However, 
there are shades*and colors to fit every 
preference. Visit your nurseries in the 
spring and make your selections while the 
piants are in bloom. Or, better still, at- 
tend the early spring Rhododendron shows 
and see the many different varieties and 
types. 
COMPANION PLANTS 
Nature’s own companion is the Azalea, 
either deciduous or evergreen. They be- 
long to the same family and require very 
much the same culture. However, most 
