Rhododendron

A regrettably tender species of the Maddenia section which we brought back as a cutting from the Cangshan in the fall of 1997 and these are cutting-grown from that plant. Every terminal bud bursts into large white flowers with a soft yellow throat which are sweetly scented. Sunroom in winter.

Western Azalea native to southern OR and northern CA. I've seen this ringing Darlingtonia bogs in the Siskiyous in full bloom in shimmering 100 degree heat and it is a sight to behold. Quite fragrant. These are grown from a plant from Leo Hitchcock's garden, guru of PNW natives.

Rad new introduction to cultivation of this tremendously adorable Vireya section Rhododendron collected on a shaded rocky cliff face not far from the Vietnam border. Small glossy green leaves colored in bronze when in new growth. This is essentially a creeper as it was truly hugging the rock growing in little humus pockets. Nice and cheery small open-faced yellow flowers are borne over a long span. Cute quotient is pretty much pegged right at the max. Hardiness is unknown as there is no track record on this species but the mainland Vireyas have surprised with some species like R. rushforthii being quite good in the Seattle area. To be safe, lets start at a warm zone 8b and hopefully work down with experience. Easy in a pot and can be overwintered in a cool sunroom until more is known and probably the best thing to do its first winter with you anyway.

Thought to be a naturally occurring hybrid group of R. atlanticum and R. periclymenoides discovered by plantswoman Polly Hill, of Martha's Vineyard arboretum fame, on the banks of the choptank river. Notable for an attractively soft-textured blue-green leaf, flowers of white flushed with pink and with excellent fragrance. Stoloniferous and growing to a maximum of around 5 feet, even better they are more tolerant of sun and heat than most Rhodies, a trait that makes up for their deciduous nature.

Cutting-grown from a plant grown by Roger Eichmann from seed collected from the “best” augustinii in June Sinclair’s renowned species Rhododendron garden.  We say “best” because that varied from year to year in June’s opinion as to which of her 3 favorite clones was the best but we can tell you that all three were stellar.  Masses of lavender-blue flowers can cover the foliage on one of the classic Rhododendron species that is the keystone plant in many a garden.

Our own F2 hand-pollinated seedlings from this superb big leaf species which has shown more hardiness than the Kingdon-Ward collections from 70 years ago. This collection has handled 10F here in our garden with aplomb. Early spring trusses of big yellow flowers although interestingly, one of the original wild seedlings flowered white. Best in a sheltered position out of the wind and sun where the foliage can hit its max potential. These are sturdy youngsters. An amazing experience to see this species in the wild.

Crazy piece of work but in the best possible way. This is a sport of this Japanese azalea species which would typically have the usual thumb-shaped leaves and wide flower petals but in this selection, the leaves and pink flower petals have become very long and thin like decorative sushi garnish. Nothing like it and a universal must-have.