FLOWER GARDEN

These flowering shrubs, now classified as rhododendron by the botanist, consist of several species and numerous varieties of three types: —the Indian azalea (rhododendron indicum), the Ghent, and the mollis azaleas. The Indian azalea, largely imported from Holland, is grown chiefly under glass for spring blooming. The Ghent and mollis azaleas are used similarly and also as hardy summer flowering shrubs; the flowers arc brilliantly colored—orange, apricot, salmon, rose, etc. They thrive best in soil mixed with peat or leaf mould. The correct potting compost for Indian azaleas is peat and loam with sand added freely.

When the plants are potted, room should be left for adequate watering, as many failures occur because of dryness at the root. Periodical syringing of the foliage before the plants come into bloom is also beneficial, and as the buds swell, an occasional top-dressing of manure should be given. After flowering, the plants should be stood out of doors for the summer on a bed of ashes. Repot immediately after the flowers have faded.

To propagate azaleas, cuttings are taken when the plants are making new growth. Young but sturdy shoots should be chosen, and they will root better if they are pulled off the stem, so that they retain a heel of the old wood.

Good varieties of Azalea Indica: Deutsche Perle (white), Fielder’s White (white, large flowers), Alice (deep rose, double), Bernard Andre (violet purple, double), Souvenir de Prince Albert (rosy salmon with white edge), Criterion (salmon pink), John Gould Veitcb (lilac rose), Madame van Houtte (carmine and rose, flaked), and Vervaeneana alba (white).