See Rhododendron Dauricum, Plate IV.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Rhododendron foliis glabris, subtus punctatis; viminibus laxis; corollis crispis, violaceo-purpureis.
Rhododendron with smooth leaves, dotted on the under part; slender loose branches; blossoms crisped, and of a blueish purple.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Blossom.
2. The Chives, and Pointal (natural size); one tip detached (magnified).
3. The Seed-vessel, and Pointal, (natural size).
It is to the industrious researches of J. Frasier, nurseryman, of the King’s Road, Chelsea, we are indebted for this charming species of Rhododendron, who introduced it in the year 1792 from the back settlements of Carolina, North America, where it is native. This species is by far the most delicate of any yet discovered on that continent; grows to the height of three, or four feet, and of sufficient hardiness to resist our winters in the open ground; a slight protection insures its flowering, as our late frosts are apt to injure the buds, which are very often without that assistance destroyed. The best method of propagating this shrub is by layers, which should be taken off in autumn, and protected the first winter. It flowers about the month of July, at which season this year a drawing was made from a plant, in the nursery of Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith. It (like most American plants) delights in sandy peat.[Pg 146]
PLATE 36
