GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18653, 23 August 1930, Page 13

GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY

CARE OR RHODODENDRONS. Rhododendrons, at the present time, do not seem to be appreciated as much as they should, for truly they are noble shrubs. This, no doubt, is due to the fact that our grandfathers had perforce to plant them extensively for there was not then the wonderful variety of beautiful shrubs that we of the present day have to choose from. Then, too, the predominating colours in rhododendrons seem to have been magenta and puce, colours not pleasing to the present generation, who are accustomed to having in their gardens the richest and most delicate of colours (says the “Marlborough Express”). In many old gardens in New Zealand there are magnificent specimens of rhododendrons to be found, most of them of those unfortunate colours, and sentiment, and, shall I say, economy, often prevent the present owners turning them out. But why not? Why give room to plants that irritate one when there are so many glorious ones to choose from, for hybridists have made marvellous strides in rhododendron culture.

Their cultivation is simple. At one time it was thought that peat was necessary for them, but any good soil that has been deeply dug grows them well. There are, however, one or two conditions that are absolutely necessary. The most important is good drainage, for although they are shallow rooters, rhododendrons cannot thrive in soil that becomes sour through holding water in winter. Hence the necessity for deep digging. The fact of their being shallow rooters brings us to the next condition, and this is the protection of the roots during summer. The hah roots, which are the feeders, are near the surface of the soil and quickly feel the effects of dry weather. This, fortunately, is easily guarded against if grass cuttings, which most gardeners have in abundance, are placed round the plants regularly during summer. If, also occasional good waterings are given, there need be no fear of these delicate but vital roots being destroyed. Rhododendron specialists recommend that the plants should be where deciduous trees shade them in summer.’but allow the sun to reach them in the winter, and a good deal during summer. As long as the roots are protected, this does not seem to matter.

To grow rhododendrons on sloping banks is the hardest to manage, and they are the ones that generally show distress first. When the holes are being dug on a bank, flat places should be made for the plants, either by building up the edges with sods of grass, or by cutting well into the bank; also, mulches of decayed grass and leaves should be provided frequently. Lime and artificial manures must be kept away from rhododendrons. Liquid manure made from cow manure, and an occasional dressing of well-decayed cow manure, are excellent for producing luxuriant green growth. In size and growth there are varieties to suit every garden, while the colours, especially among the hybrids, are glorious. From the most delicate shades of pink, they work up through rose, clear pink, scarlet, to the richest of reds. There are mauves that are. pure in colour, and even yellow ones. Among the Himalayan rhododendrons, the flowers are largely white, or white flushed with pink, and many of them are intensely fragrant.