RHODODENDRONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19240, 2 August 1924, Page 3

RHODODENDRONS.

Rhododendrons have a habit of appearing’ marvellous when on exhibition, but unless you grow them you never know the heart-burnings and the trials which have to bo faced before getting them to grow to perfection. They are inclined to bo tricky at the best of times, and in a difficult season they are cantankerous to a degree that drives the grower to exasperation. They jib at frost, they jib at drought, they jib at wind, and yet once they have closed in your affection with their hair-like tentacles you are lost. You nurse them like a sick child, and give up golf, home, country, and even fishing to their seductions. Even their idiosyncracics have their charm. If they grew like cabbages half Iho enthusiasm would go, for there is little amusement to bo gained from growing a plant that flourishes Tike the proverbial bay tree under any treatment you care to give it. The real gardener is only thrilled when there t is a battle to bo fought and won. Ho grits his teeth, puts on his thinking cap, and wades in. Rhododendrons (says a writer in an English paper) are fit antagonists. There is no plant which makes more response to good treatment, particularly in the case of situation and feeding. Half of the failures are due to the former and half to lack of nourishment. As surfacerooting plants they require an unlimited quantity of leaves and rotten wood on which to feed, and this is applied in the form of mulch. The great point to remember, not only with rhododendrons, but with all gardening, is to live up to the theory that what is worth growing at all is worth growing well. Rhododendrons are easy plants from which to get' some result, -but that is not sufficient; they require cultivation, and that takes a little time and a little trouble. Hero are a selection of don'ts for those who wish to start on the cultivation of this fascinating family:— Don’t grow grow rhododendrons if you live on a limey soil. Don’t envy your neighbour if he is successful with a species or hybrid which you cannot grow. The number of species and hybrids in existence is so large that some will bo satisfactory for your locality. Don’t try to grow rhododendrons in situations suitable for annuals or herbaceous plants: they require shade and shelter. Don’t be disappointed if the flower of a rhododendron which blooms for the first time is not so good as you hoped for. Imagine such a flower multiplied a thousand times. * Don’t grow large-leaved rhododendrons if you live in the north or east: there are many species and hybrids of bush or dwarf form which will satisfy your requirements and are just as lovely as tree rhododendrons. Don’t imagine that rhododendrons have no personality. They are a widespread race in the northern hemisphere, and conditions vary in different countries. It is the duty of a gardener to find out the requirements of a plant. You don’t expect a Burman to live all the year round in Yorkshire wtihout special protection or food, then why ignore the requirements of a rhododendron? Don’t confine yourself to garden hybrids. They are inclined to be too much alike

in form and habit. The species and better hybrids vary from dwarfs 2in high to giants of 60ft. Don’t expect a large-growing rhododendron to flower the first year you plant it in your garden. Don’t expect a rhododendron to grow without oare and attention. They require cultivation and food as much as any other plant. Don’t be alarmed at these don’ts. There aro rhododendrons to suit almost every garden. A little care and patience are all that is required.