Rhododendron Secrets

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 219, 16 September 1939, Page 10 (Supplement)

Rhododendron Secrets

Rh9dodendrons are associated with azaleas as they belong to the same genus. They are justly classed among the most beautiful and attractive of evergreen flowering shrubs and are well worthy of any special preparations that are necessary to grow them to perfection. In uncongenial soils the plants soon exhibit unhealthy symptoms. Ihe common ponticum, however, is an exception and will thrive under almost adverse conditions. It is useless to attempt growing rhododendrons in undrained soils, unless special preparation of the holes is made by filling in with about 12in of scoria, on top of which another 18in of prepared soil, consisting of good loam and leaf mould in about equal quantities witli some coarse sand. Rhododendrons require partial shade during the summer. To provide this, the planting among them of Japanese flowering cherries or other suitable deciduous subjects is desirable. In ordinary well-drained soils of a loamy, sandy or volcanic nature,- in which the roots can penetrate freely, little or no preparation, cxcept incorporating some leaf mould or peat when digging the holes is needed. Of late years, numerous hybrids have been evolved by the crossing and intercrossing of several of the species. The beautiful flowered Pink Pearl, a recent achievement among large-flowered forms, has already been superseded by some' •"till more distinctive and meritorious novelties. New introductions from China, embodying distinct characteristics, have still further increased the interest and popularity of the rhododendrons. Lime in the soil is fatal to nearly all the varieties. Deep digging around the plants, which disturbs the mass of surface roots, and rich manuring are also harmful. A little dry broken-up cow dung may be added to the soil, while a surface mulch should be applied during the hot, dry, summer weather. & Owing to the mass of fibrous roots, planting may be done at almost any time of the year provided water and shade can be applied in hot, drv weather. For ordinary garden purposes it is quite safe to transplant till the end of September and if showery weather prevails until the end of Octooer.