DISTINCT GROUPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 November 1939, Page 3

DISTINCT GROUPS

AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS. The azaleas and rhododendrons are • all grouped into one family, and for ' botanical purposes this is satisfactory, I but for horticultural purposes there ■ are three more or less distinct groups: ■ (1) rododendrons, which are all ever- ■ green, (2) azaleas, which are deciduous, and (3) azaleas which are evergreen. Of these three groups the deciduous azaleas are the most accommodating and the most useful for small gardens. They will grow in drier and more exposed positions than the evergreen kinds. They are not so particular as to soil, and they have two seasons of attractiveness, first 'in spring and early summer when in flower, and again in the autumn when the foliage takes on delightful autumn tints. The range of colouring is also more extensive than rhododendrons, there being many colours and shades not found in the evergreen groups at all, and though they make satisfactory growth each year they take a long time to become too large for a town garden. The deciduous azaleas are usually known as Ghent azaleas, for it was in that district of Belgium that they were first raised by crossing the Caucasian species with those from America; and since then Azalea Mollis has been extensively used with the result that the hybrids are so mixed up that it is difficult to trace the parentage of the modern varieties. Fortunately azaleas are easily grown from seed, and if this is selected from the most desirable varieties and sown at once it is possible to have flowering specimens in two or three years, when the most desirable colours can be selected. It is also fortunate that the deciduous azaleas, like all rhododendrons, form a compact root system which enable us to transplant them a’ any time. They can be selected in the nursery when in flower and the I desirable colours purchased. They can also be propagated by means of J layers, and the more desirable colours I can be obtained in this way. « Though azaleas and rhododendrons 1 are surface rooters, when preparing > beds and borders for them deep culti- t vation is necessary, for good drainage ! is essentia], and it is advisable to trench to a depth of two feet and a- £ half and to dig holes to an equal depth. I They do not like lime, but surface ' mulches of well-rotted farmyard man- t ure or leafmould, and a mulch of lawn r mowings, if not put on too thickly, is an advantage during the summer. Deep I planting should also be avoided, but t the soil round the ball of roots should t be made very firm. Though rhodo- ; dendrons and azaleas can be trans- t planted at any time, early autumn, be- p fore the soil becomes cold and wet, or c early spring, when growth is com- n mencing, are the best times. t

The deciduous azaleas are better massed in beds or borders, and it is desirable to keep, the surface soil cultivated and weeded. Fortunately, the attiactive season can be extended by planting such .spring -flowering bulbs as Scilla siberica, Chionodoxa lucilae and giape hyacinths, which flower befoie the azeleas, by edging or carpeting the beds and borders with polyanthus primroses and pansies, both ol

which like the same conditions, and both tone in with the azalea colours. The gap between the flowers and the autumn tints can be filled in by interplanting lilies of various kinds, such as Lilium regale and L. Henryii, also Hyacinthus canadensis. All these also like the soil conditions provided for the azaleas, and they do not ii’i any way interfere with one another. Though azaleas do not need shade in any way, the flat appearance of their beds can be removed by interplanting with laburnums and magnolias, and they also associate well with Japanese maples. Indian Azaleas. —The evergreen or Indian azaleas, though not so attractive as the deciduous ones, are very useful for covering banks or for grouping on the rock garden. At one time they were considered greenhouse plants, but they have proved to be quite hardy in the gardens, and would, no doubt, be equally satisfactory in all the hill gardens. They certainly do not grow very quickly, but they flower freely, and. though the colours are not so varied as the deciduous ones, they are bright and attractive. Like other members of the rhododendron family, they dislike lime. They like leafmould or peat, and a mulch during the summer is an advantage. Dwarf Rhododendrons. — Though most of the rhododendron species grow into large bushes, and some into

trees, there are a number which are dwarf and are suitable for banks and rock gardens or for borders in the small town gardens. They come from high up in the mountains, and are consequently very hardy. Their flowers are not large, but they are produce?, in such abundance that they are quite attractive. In fad, they are moremko the Indian azaleas than the ordinary rhododendrons. Coming as they do from exposed heights, they are just the thing for new and exposed gardens where little shelter can be provided at first, and in such positions they maintain their dwarf and compact habit.

Rhododendron Impeditum. — This plant rarely grows more than a few inches in height, and has plum-colour-cd or lavender-blue flowers which are produced in abundance. R. hippophaeoides is taller than impeditum. but it belongs to the same group. It.' maximum height, is 18 inches and the colour of its flowers lilac-blue. R. racemosum is a little taller than the two already mentioned, though it varies very considerably, never exceeding three feet. The flowers are various shades of pink, and are produced very early in the season. R. Croceum is said to grow tall in time, but at the rate it is growing with us it will be a very long time. Its flowers are pure clear yellow shaded at the base with crimson. R. ciliafttm is a neat little early-

flowering species, its colour being soft pink. R. Greersonianum also shows a tendency to keep low, and its colour could bo called orange scarlet, a very distinct colour for a rhododendron.