seers 
RHODODENDRON PURPLE SPLENDOR 
Maintenance 
Mulching —'The mulch should be replenished to some extent every 
year, as its state of decay requires, preferably in late fall. A good mulch 
aids materially toward maintaining a constant supply of moisture and 
protects the plant against extreme heat and cold; it also helps to main- 
tain proper acidity of the soil, supplies food to the plant, and discourages 
the growth of weeds. Never allow the mulch to be removed. The plant’s 
feeding roots are near the surface and they should not be exposed or 
disturbed. 
Watering — Having large leaves and growing near the surface, rho- 
dodendrons require more water than most shrubs of equal size. In dry 
spells during summer the whole root area should be thoroughly irrigated 
every week or oftener. Frequent syringing, except when hot rays of the 
sun are directly on the foliage, is very beneficial during the growing season, 
for it induces bud growth and contributes to the well- -being of the plant. 
In the fall the watering schedule should be appreciably slackened to 
allow the plants to harden off, but rhododendrons should not be per- 
mitted to enter winter under dry conditions; unless there is ample rain- 
fall the last of November and in December, the plants should be watered 
generously during that period. 
@ No group of flowering shrubs offers greater possibilities to those who garden as a 
hobby than hybrid rhododendrons. 
Or 
