RHODODENDRONS IN BLOOM

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27191, 7 November 1953, Page 6

RHODODENDRONS IN BLOOM

SEED BROUGHT FROM TIBET SHRUBS IN GARDEN AT SHIRLEY Three rare specimens of rhododendrons grown from seed obtained in Tibet are now in full bloom at the home of Mr P. H. Vickery, Banks avenue, Shirley. They have bloomed eight years after Mr Vickery obtained the plants from a Christchurch nursery. So far they have not been positively identified, but horticultural experts believe they may be natural hybrids between rhododendron decorum and rhododendron diaprepes. About 12 years ago the rhododendrons were raised from seed by Mr C. H. Jones, of Mount Pleasant road. He received the seed from Miss G. R. Jones, of Peterborough street, who brought it back to Christchurch from Tibet. Mr Vickery obtained his rhododendrons with others fron\Mr Jones’s nursery about eight years ago. Knowing that the seed came from Tibet he was most interested to see what the plants might turn out to be. In the first five years three of the seedlings lost their leaves because they were in an unsuitable position exposed to too much sun. They were placed in a shady position free from cold draughts. Large buds formed last autumn, so each shrub was protected with scrim so the frosts in the winter would not' touch the buds.

One morning early this week each rhododendron produced three and four fully developed clusters of blooms. The bell-shaped blooms are pure white with a rich yellow throat, and the outside of the corolla is slightly blushed with pink. They are highly fragrant, and are approximately four inches long and four inches in diameter. Mr Vickery has invited enthusiasts who would like to see the shrubs in bloom to come to his garden. “Just drive in,” he said yesterday when he issued his invitation. "There is no gate and the dog won’t bite.”