Perennials - Gardening, Shrubs

Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Name: Rhododendrons and Azaleas
Author: Geoff Bryant
ISBN: 9781552095249

by Geoff Bryant

Write a review

Overview

Rhododendrons have it all -- beautiful flowers, magnificent foliage and an ability to thrive in a wide range of climates. The genus Rhododendron (to which azaleas belong) always has something to surprise and delight the gardener. With more than 1000 species, and many thousands of cultivars, there are plants in a huge variety of form, color and size -- something to suit every need, every taste and every location.

This guide for North American gardeners will help the novice and the experienced gardener get the best from their rhododendrons and azaleas. Beginning with a history of rhododendrons in cultivation and a fascinating discussion on the development of the most popular species and varieties, the book includes expert advice and information about:

deciduous azaleas
evergreen azaleas
assessing your climate
garden design
cultivation, maintenance and propagation
soil and nutrition
choosing plants for flower and leaf color
pests and diseases
pruning.

The author shares his personal recommendations of over 390 varieties of rhododendron and azalea, as well as practical tips gained from his many years of professional experience growing and hybridizing rhododendrons and azaleas. This is an inspiring and very useful handbook on these much-admired plants.

About the Author, Geoff Bryant

Geoff Bryant began his career as a nurseryman specializing in hybridizing rhododendrons and azaleas. Since the success of his book Propagation Handbook: Basic Techniques for Gardeners he has become a full-time garden writer and photographer. Bryant has contributed to many books, including the Ultimate Gardening Book, the Ultimate Book of Trees and Shrubs, the Ultimate Book of Flowers and the acclaimed Botanica series. He has also written specialty books on rhododendrons and azaleas and their propagation.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet. Log in to write one.

Editorials

Sacramento Bee - Dan Vierria

A rhododendron-lovers dream, covering history, care and recommended species and cultivars. Color close-ups are dazzling.

BookPage - Pat Regel

Will insure immediate gratification in your newly designed flower beds.

Vancouver Sun - Steve Whysall

An excellent (and affordable) new work ... for both novice and expert gardeners.

Dan Vierria

A rhododendron-lovers dream, covering history, care and recommended species and cultivars. Color close-ups are dazzling. —Sacramento Bee

Mary Cameron Frey

[This is an] excellent book to buy and keep for future guidance and reference. —Chicago Sun-Times

Pat Regel

Will insure immediate gratification in your newly designed flower beds.
—BookPage, April 2001

Steve Whysall

An excellent and affordable new work ... for both novice and expert gardeners.
—The Vancouver Sun, April 27, 2001

Library Journal

Formerly a hybridizer of rhododendrons and azaleas, Bryant (Propagation Handbook: Basic Techniques for Gardeners) is currently a garden writer and photographer. His latest book covers ground he knows well: the history of rhododendrons and azaleas, their classification, and their uses in the garden. He also discusses soil, culture, pests, diseases, propagation and assessing one's site. The heart of the book is dedicated to an extensive listing of rhododendron and azalea species and cultivars, including brief descriptions of the plants along with USDA hardiness zones. Beautiful color photographs complement the text. However, these plants grow best in acid soils, and Ortho's All About Azaleas, Camellias, & Rhododendrons (Meredith, 2001) offers a more complete discussion of amending the soil to modify pH levels. It also includes more comprehensive, nicely illustrated sections on culture and pests and diseases, making it a better choice for beginners. Bryant's book is recommended for larger gardening collections. Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.