Rhododendrons (A Care Manual)

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Summary: All about rhodos
Review: The writer, a third generation nurseryman, is a leading rhodo grower and collector having led expeditions to Tibet and China in search of new species. He has written three previous books on rhododendrons and lectured extensively. This book gives the reader an extensive background in both rhodos and azaleas, with an emphasis on proper site preparation, soils and planting and maintenance. There is a beautifully illustrated plant directory some 40 pages in length.

There are some 800 species of rhododendron, and thousands of hybrids. They come in all shapes and sizes from dwarf species that look almost like heather growing on a hillside to some that have leaves some three feet in length. The writer, having introduced us briefly to the geography of the rhododendron, gets down to the business of his main theme - caring for them. The book is readable and contains useful information for anyone interested in growing rhododendrons.

There is a glossary, a bibliography and a useful list of recommended varieties for different climates or purposes - early flowering, late flowering, scented, best pinks, reds etc. This is a thoroughly useful and attractive book.