Among the many familiar pines of ornamental interest there are several dwarf forms for limited landscapes. All bear needle-leaves in typical bundles of two, three, or five according to type. Here are some possibilities: P. cembra chlorocarpa, P. mugo (montana) mughus, and a variety of the white pine, P. strobus nana.
CARE. Light, dry, sandy soil. Plant where sheltered; for example, a northern slope. Dry summer winds and unseasonable, warm winter sun will turn the leaves brown. In transplanting trees, remember that the roots do not stand exposure to air. Take the biggest possible chunk of dirt with them. In buying, get stock that is balled in burlap.
PROPAGATION. Seeds and grafting.
SPECIAL USES. Bonsai, containers, rock gardens, foundation planting.
Rhododendron Ericaceae
Some of the most charming of our truly miniature shrubs, far too infrequently known and grown. Rhododendron species and hybrids may be under a foot tall at maturity and have leaves as small as a little fingernail. The only thing out of proportion is the size of their flowers. Here are some of them: cantabile, chryseum, cinnabarinum, cuneatum, didymum, fastigiatum, ferrugineum, flavidum (primulinum), glaucum (glaucophyllum), hypolepidotum, impeditum, kotschyi, radinum, riparium, russatum, williamsianum.
CARE. Humus-rich soil, sandy and of open texture. Mulch for winter season and water before freezing weather. Withered leaves in the dead of winter mean lack of moisture as well as cold weather.
PROPAGATION. Seeds, softwood tip cuttings (in June).
SPECIAL USES. Bonsai, rock gardens, edging, foundation planting.
