RHODODENDRONS

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 221, 15 June 1934, Page 18

RHODODENDRONS

How to Grow Them. Of all the shrubs grown in gardens the rhododendron is one of the most gorgeously attractive. It has the merit, in mast varieties, of evergreen foliage, and so apart from its richly coloured flowers, its mass cf dark green foliage all the year round adds to the effective decoration of the garden. R. ponticum is the commonest species, growing with great luxuriance in shrubberies and woods, and reproducing Itself freely from seed. For many years now specialists have been engaged in the work of hybridising the species, with the result that they have produced, and are still producing, magnificent forms with gorgeous large trusses of flowers of delightful and pleasing variations of rich colours. Many still think rhododendrons are difficult shrubs to grow. This is not so, and the hardier'and commoner kinds will grow in almost any soil, provided it is free of chalk or lime. To a verygreat extent they are grown as undergrowth in woodlands, and also for providing a touch of colour in October and November. ' Bold masses are often to be seen‘in large private gardens, and are also extensively grown in shrubberies. In a suitable soil they grow into immense bushes, reproducing themselves freely from seed. Although they do not mind shade they flower more profusely in full sun. For the choice hybrids these should have beds on the lawn, and if grown in association with deciduous azaleas, kalinias, andromedas, and lilies, that delight in peat, a nice effect Is obtained. But even’these will thrive in good, I light, or even medium loam, but unI doubtedly they do better in a mixture lof loam, peat, and leaf-soil. Beautii ful varieties, like Pink Pearl and Alice, I look well as single'bushes in small beds ' on the lawn; the effect when in flower is very charming. But there is another form on which they may be grown, and that is as standards. In. May and June they make fine decorative subjects on the lawn or to adorn a terrace. Another good way of growing the choice varieties is in tubs or large pots, which may be placed on paths, terraces, etc., and may be moved about to produce,fresh effects as required. Plants grown in this way must have strict attention as to watering in dry weather. ■ Given this, the plants will thrive well for years either as bushes, or standards. During summer an occasional dose of liquid cow manure or soot-water will be very helpful and keep the plants in good health. It has already been stated that rhododendrons object to lime in the soil, and to avoid failure special attention must be given to this matter.' Also heavy, damp, clay soil is not good for them. Those who intend growing rhododendrons in such a soil, the site'must be dug out three feet deep, and if the clay dan be moderately burnt with coal and rubbish the earth may be used as part of the compost. A good compost to fill in the dug out site with is two parts sandy or medium loam and one of peat or leaf-mould, or equal parts of each. If the sites are prepared in this way the shrubs will thrive on a chalky soil. Now, as to the time to plant. This operation may be carried out .In autumn, provided care is taken not let the roots get dry, but the recognised time for planting is winter and spring. It is as well to point out that the rhododendron is a very fibrous-rooted shrub, and if these delicate fibres once get dry or shrivelled the effects will be disastrous; perhaps not at once, but some weeks after. After planting, therefore, a thorough soaking of water should be given. They may be planted in spring, even when the flower-huds are well developed, and the display of flowers will in no way be affected, provided the roots are kept quite moist and the foliage well syringed in the evenings of hot days. It is most important, especially In rhe case of choice sorts, that all flower trusses be removed directly the flowers are over. .. ‘ ' 111 the autumn the surface of the beds should receive a mulch of welldecayed cow manure and leafmould. UNIQUE SHRUB The Qualup Bell Of the many remarkable flowering shrubs which West Australia has given us, the Qualup Bell (pimelea physodes) is one of the most beautiful. Reaching only three feet in height, Its outstanding attraction lies in the bracts, which hang from the stems. These bracts vary in colour from apple green to yellow, with an overtint of warm purple. Tills rare plant Is quite hardy when planted in a 'sunny, sheltered position. The soil should be fairly light and thoroughly drained. The flowers are splendid for cutting purposes.

CORRESPONDENCE Answers to Inquiries To Destroy An’s,— lJscd motor oil han been .found one of tlie most effective ant kilters. Pour a cupful down the holo or in the nest and you won't, be troubled again. (Mists K. 1.., llalaitai.) Shrub for Identification. —The shrub you found is the common dogrose. It has a tendency to become a pest, although some people grow it for the beauty of its scarlet “berries.” The flowers are insignificant. Yes, yon can prune it. (Wairarapa reader.) The Calico Bush.— r l'his> charming American (Kalmia Latifolia) requires the same treatment as rhododendrons. It prefers semi-dhade. plenty of leafmould, and no lime. fI’.D.C.. Levin.) Treatment of Red-hot Pokers.—Tlie-e plants are quite hardy in your district, and therefore do not need lifting. Cut off the old flower stems, l>ut leave the old leaves for Protection until the spring. (Miss T>„ Eastbourne.) Diseased Parsniiis.—A correspondon>. “llataitai.” forwarded a diseased par-, snip root for information concerning >t. As the disease was an obscure one. the specimen was referred to the Government myoologud. who report.* as follows: “We have made numerous isolations from this specimen and find no pathogen to be present. In view of the fact that no definite causal organism has been obtained. -no control measures can be recommended.” In view of these facts, the Ilo'rtieulturnl Division considers it is probable that. the discoloration about the crown of the root is due to niechrn’cnl injury •cnu.wl by implements wlmu cub fivatiw.' <•;• insects. The former in the more likely.