Che Beautiful 
HYBRID 
RHODODENDRONS 
Hybrid rhododendrons, which are among the most beautiful of shrubs, 
may be grown in Southern gardens. A finer floral sight is hardly to be 
imagined when these plants are at the height of their blooming season 
in May. At any season these handsome evergreens impart a dignity to 
the general garden setting that is unmatched by any other flowering 
shrub. 
Asiatic Hybrids 
The most magnificent rhododendrons are the Asiatic Hybrids. ‘They 
have been developed by crossing species, most of them native to Asia, 
which have particularly outstanding qualities both in their growing 
habits and in the beauty of their blooms. Such expert hybridization has 
produced flowers which are too lovely to be described — spectacular 
flower heads (trusses) — many 5 to 6 inches in diameter and in a wide 
range of clear, bright colors. 
Though some varieties have not proved altogether suitable to our 
climate, those we recommend have flourished despite our severest winters, 
when the temperature reached zero, and despite several dry, hot summers, 
when the temperature remained at 90 to 100 degrees for days and, at 
times, for weeks. 
Catawba Hybrids 
The Catawba Hybrids spring primarily from species native to our 
Appalachian mountains which hybridist-nurserymen have crossed with 
other species. Although very desirable because of their general adapta- 
bility, many of them retain a trace of the coloring of the purplish Cataw- 
biense species. ‘They are well suited, however, to many locations, and 
especially are they delightful in a setting predominantly woodland where 
no bright rose or red colors clash with them. 
@ Hybrid rhododendrons should not be confused with the Rosebay and Catawba 
rhododendrons growing in the mountains of the Southeast. These wild forms are 
rarely adapted to culture outside their habitat, or grow attractive enough to justify the 
effort to transplant them. 
