Hardy Azaleas.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 16, 19 October 1910, Page 40

Hardy Azaleas.

The growth of the hardy azalea is spreading, forming itself into tier-like masses almost hidden, in late spring, with flowers, in spite of the crowded leafage. This, as summer gives way to autumn, assumes glorious tints, from fiery crimson to a peculiar bronze; the leaves remain long upon the shrubs, and appear as if on fire, even when the whole landscape is aglow with colour. But it is in spring, when in full bloom, that their beauties are most admired. In the improved kinds the petals are very robust, and thrown back so as to display to the fullest advantage the characteristic colour, and the trusses are of neat, compact shape and well held up. It is possible to get a delightful variety of colour even in a comparatively small bed. For a succession A. oecidentalis may be planted, as it produces its white, sweet-scented flowers after the great race of hardy azaleas has

passed their fullest beauty. Th? foliage is also attractive, massive, and of a fine glossy green. A widespread idea prevails that peat soil is absolutely necessary for azaleas, but such is not the case, as they will thrive equally well in a good sandy loam, and if this is of somewhat too heavy a nature it may be lightened, if peat is not at hand, by sand and leaf mould. Like all their allies, however, the azaleas resent a soil that contains lime, while it is very necessary that the delicate hair-like roots do not suffer at any time from want of water. These roots are borne in dense masses, a feature that stands the plants in good stead if they are removed, as they carry so much soil that even large specimens can be transplanted with comparative safety. — From ‘’The Queen.”