HIT PaRaDe of RHoDoDenDRons

Transcription

HIT PARADE OF RHODODENDRONS
(These varieties are “good doers” that have stood the test of time.)
R. ‘Taurus’
R. yakushimanum ‘Exbury’
R. ‘Solidarity’
R. ‘Consolini’s Windmill’
R. ‘Pearce’s American Beauty’
R. ‘Ingrid Mehlquist’
R. ‘Calsap’
R. Spaetlese
R. ‘Cynosure’
pg. 4
R. ‘Maximum Roseum’
R. ‘Joe Paterno’
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ELEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS:
ELEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS
Anna Rose Whitney to Dexter's Spice
$$plantID:1349$$ %%catName:Elepidote Rhododendrons%%
Rhododendron 'Anna Rose Whitney'
Rhododendron 'Charles Loomis'
(R. griersonianum X 'Countess of Derby'). Van Veen.
NEW! Huge 4" flowers in a spectacular bright rosepink can't be ignored. Quickly forms a tall plant with
8"fern-green leaves, just right for the back of the
border. Well known as a superior grower in hot
southern summers. Note the hardiness rating and
site it in a place that is shaded and protected from
drying winter winds. Zones 6-9. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
('English Roseum' X hyperythrum).The species R.
hyperythrum shows great heat tolerance. Our plant
of the hybrid 'Charles Loomis' endures our hot
summers and never shows any ill effects. Buds
heavily, with rounded trusses emerging first as
blush pink quickly turning white, much like a yak
hybrid. The narrow and glossy recurved leaves are
retained for 3-4 years. Zones 5-8. H: 3-4 ft · W:
4-5 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Barmstedt'
('Sammetglut' X yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada').
Rhododendron 'Consolini's
Windmill'
Hachmann. Rosy-red flowers with darker edges
holds their color well and are displayed beautifully on
a low-growing mound with recurved dark green
leaves. Buds young and is perhaps the best overall
grower of the Hachmann introductions. Named in
honor of Herr Hachmann's home town in Germany.
Looks great even when not in bloom! Zones 5-7. H:
3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft
(unknown Dexter parents). Consolini. A sensation
in bloom, we finally have enough of this beauty to
feature on this year's cover! The picotee-type flower
is red edged with white on a fast growing plant with
good habit and shiny foliage. Best in dappled
shade. Tony Consolini was Charles Dexter's
gardener for many years and a noted hybridizer in
his own right. Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
Rhododendron 'Betty Hume'
Rhododendron 'Cynosure'
(fortunei x unknown). Dexter/Baldsiefen hybrid. A
mid-May bloomer that will not be easily upstaged.
Ruffled and fragrant, multi-colored pink 4" flowers
have heavy substance. The upright trusses are
displayed on a medium growing sun-tolerant plant
with the characteristic large matte-green fortuneitype leaves. A "top-of-the-line" Dexter. Zones 5-7. H:
3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
('Essex Scarlet' x fortunei). Shapiro. The Shapiros
considered this their best plant and many agree. A
medium-sized plant, wider than tall that buds up
heavily even in full shade, but also does well in sun.
The full pink trusses in late May have a distinctive
rust-colored flare in the throat of each flower. The
meaning of "cynosure"? Look it up. Zones 5-8. H:
4-5 ft · W: 5-6 ft
Rhododendron 'Busuki'
Rhododendron 'Dexter's Apricot'
('Tarantella' x 'Small Wonder'). Hachmann, Germany.
NEW! This vibrant red from Hachmann stays low and
compact, perfect for foundation plantings and small
gardens. Dark green leaves are attractive even when
not in bloom. Prefers part shade but will tolerate full
sun further north. Named for the "bouzouki", a Greek
musical instrument related to the mandolin and lute.
AKA'Hachbusk' Zones 6-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft
[Parentage uncertain: (haematodes x decorum?)].
Rhododendron 'Calsap'
Rhododendron 'Dexter's Giant Red'
('Catalgla' X 'Sappho'). Michener. A show stopper!
'Calsap' combines the hardiness of 'Catalgla' with
'Sappho' to produce a super hardy, upright grower.
White flowers with a bold purple flare on the upper
lobe in a formal truss. Sets a prodigious amount of
seed and should be dead-headed after flowering to
maintain vigor. Zones 4-7. H: 6-7 ft · W: 5-6 ft
(unknown). Dexter. A "giant" of a plant, with a 7"
high truss of 4" wide flowers and 6 x 2" leaves.
Showy buds open to a bright red, fading to dark
rose pink with a red blotch and freckles. A large
growing shrub tending to be open when young, but
full at maturity. A spectacular highlight for the back
of a rhododendron border. Zones 6-8. H: 5-6
ft · W: 4-5 ft
10-15", 3 gal $45.00
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15" 1 gal. $30.00 | 18-24", 3 gal $60.00
Dexter/Heritage Plantation. Rarely offered for sale,
'Dexter's Apricot' is a gem! A compact plant of
broad, rounded habit displays trusses of 12-15
large funnel-shaped flowers with darker edges and
yellowish-green basal blotch. The overall effect is
"apricot"-blushed pink. Leaves are matte olive
green, held for 2 years. Limited quantity available.
Zones 6-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
15-18", 3 gal $65.00
6-10" $25.00
Rhododendron 'Caroline'
Rhododendron 'Dexter's Honeydew'
(fortunei ssp. decorum hybrid). Gable. Named for
one of Gable's daughters, the loose trusses of large
flowers are light orchid pink and moderately fragrant
with narrow light green leaves. A large growing plant
and one of the best performers for the East Coast.
Popular for hybridizing, as recent research has
shown it to be resistant to fungal root diseases.
Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
(unknown). Dexter. Few rhododendrons can rival
'Dexter's Honeydew' for fragrance, filling the air
when in full bloom. The medium-sized plant forms a
mound wider than high with a tendency to sprawl,
but pinching when young will help shape it. Large
4", flat-faced flowers are soft pink and white, set off
by large olive-green leaves. Choice! Zones 6-7. H:
3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft
Rhododendron 'Carte Blanche'
Rhododendron 'Dexter's Spice'
(brachycarpum X 'Bonfire'). Shapiro. White funnelshaped and ruffled-edged flowers are set off by
brilliant yellow spots on the dorsal lobe. Domed
trusses of 18-20 flowers open from pink buds, which
age quickly to white. Retains color longer on outside
and on margins. Compact and vase-shaped with
exceptional dark green glossy foliage. A good
performer. Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
(unknown). Dexter. Aptly named, the fragrance is
intoxicating! Frilly and very fragrant white flowers
are 4-5" across with pale yellow-green spots in the
throat. Lax trusses of 5-7 open funnel-shaped
flowers are set off by glossy olive- green 5" long
leaves. Upright, broad habit. Prefers filtered light for
best foliage. Limited quantity available. Zones
6-7. H: 4-6 ft · W: 4-6 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 18-24", 3 gal. $60.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
10-15", 1 gal $35.00
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pg. 5
pg. 1
Dick Brooks to Kabarett
Rhododendron 'Dick Brooks'
Rhododendron 'Heritage Best
Orange Salmon'
(Dexter's Giant Red X yak, Whitney dwarf form).
cross by C. Patterson, registered by G. Hibben.
Humorously described as a cross between a Great
Dane and a Chihuahua, it's an exceptionally worthy
addition to our "kennel" of offerings. Deep pink buds
open to large light pink flowers turning pure white
with a contrasting red spot deep in the throat. Mattefinished leaves are thick and leathery with a thin
layer of indumentum. Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 5-6 ft
(parentage unknown). most likely Jack Cowles,
Rhododendron 'Dream of Kings'
Rhododendron 'Ingrid Mehlquist'
('A. Bedford' X 'Purple Splendour'). Frederick. A
great name for a terrific plant! Hybridized in the
Philadelphia area, this is one of our favorite purples.
An upright grower, it has outstanding foliage, vigor
and gorgeous flowers with a very dark blotch or flare.
The truss is tall and conical. Always a contender for
"Best in Show". Zones 6-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 2-3 ft
('Besse Howells' X yakushimanum). Mehlquist.
Frilly white flowers emerge from pinky-lavender
buds in small but very full and abundant trusses. An
exceptional rock-hardy yak hybrid with great foliage.
The low, compact plant buds heavily from a young
age and has been identified in scientific studies as
being highly resistant to phytopthera (root rot
disease). Zones 4-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Heritage Plantation. Of unknown origin, this has
unusual pastel peach-colored trusses. It has proven
to be an excellent and satisfying plant with no
winter damage here in central NJ, in over 20 years.
Somewhat lax growth habit, but the color is lovely,
with healthy medium matte-green foliage and a hint
of tan indumentum. Quite distinctive! Zones 6.
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Excelsior'
Rhododendron 'Janet Blair'
('Koichiro Wada' X 'Kluis Sensation'). Heinje Nursery.
Opening from deep pink buds to blush-colored
flowers, this is a tough, durable and beautiful yak
hybrid from Heinje Nursery in Germany. Leaves are
thick in texture, providing an attractive foil for the
flowers which appear later than most yaks.
Reportedly very cold hardy-try it and let us know!
Zones 5-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Dexter/Leach. A perennial "good doer"! Large
ruffled lavender-pink flowers topped off by a yellow
blotch appear the third week of May. Parent of
many lovely offspring, she's not only cold hardy but
tolerant of heat and moderate shade, with glossy
foliage and mounding habit. Dependable and
attractive- just like the girl next door! Zones 5-8. H:
5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
Rhododendron 'Golden Jubilee'
Rhododendron 'Jenny Tabol'
(decorum x unknown). R.A. Pearce. NEW! Large
(3.5" wide)and very fragrant flowers in delicate
shades of cream, pink and yellow. Healthy mediummatte green foliage. Plant is upright, broad and open.
Blooms early to mid-May. AKA Pearce's Golden
Jubilee, from the breeder of the excellent 'Pearce's
American Beauty' back in the 1930's; re-introduced
by Elsie Watson. Zones 6-7.
P. Tabol, Simsbury, CT. NEW! We're happy to have
'Jenny Tabol' back in this year's offering! She hails
from Connecticut, so is dependably hardy. Flowers
are a lovely medium yellow with a peachy-pink
highlights along the edges of the petals. Narrow
leaves are medium green, on a compact and full
plant. Give "Jenny" room- she doesn't like to be
crowded! Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft
Rhododendron 'Gordon Jones'
Rhododendron 'Joe Paterno'
(yakushimanum x 'Sappho'). Murcott/Brack. NEW! A
yak hybrid with lavender buds opening to light
lavender flowers with a purple flare inherited from
'Sappho'. Silvery new growth gives second show of
color. Zones 5-8. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
('Catawbiense Album' X 'Swansdown'). Pride.
We've had requests for this excellent white from its
many fans. Hardy and dependable, with white
flowers and a flare of bronze-yellow on the upper
lobe. Dark green foliage on a compact, strong
growing plant. Breeder Orlando "Lanny" Pride
developed his collection of excellent plants selected
for cold hardiness in NW Butler PA. Zones 5-7. H:
5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
Rhododendron 'Grace Seabrook'
('The Hon. Jean Marie de Montague' X strigillosum).
Rhododendron 'Jordan's
Arabesque'
Seabrook. One of the earliest eleps to bloom,
"Grace" has many fans! Mid-April brings a "wakeyou-up-in-the-spring" red, in full trusses of large
flowers further enhanced by large dark green leaves.
Give it a protected location in Zone 6 or warmer.
Similar to 'Taurus', but her flower buds are green and
she blooms about a week earlier. Zones 6-8. H: 5-6
ft · W: 5-6 ft
(unknown parentage).This standout seedling
bloomed right away and outshone others in the
group. Flowers have a picoteed pink edge blushed
with yellow in the center, on a low to medium-sized
plant. Stand back and it looks quite peachy. Jordan
is Jerry van deSande's daughter and she's a
dancer...so that's what a proud Dad does with a
good flower! Zones 6-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 30-36" B&B Nsy
pickup only $175.00
15-18", 2 gal $55.00
15-18", 1 gal $35.00 | 18-24", 3 gal $55.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Helsinki University'
Rhododendron 'Kabarett'
(brachycarpum ssp. tigerstedtii open pollinated).
('Hyperion' X 'Diadem'). Hachmann. One of our
favorites! Spectacular light lavender flowers with a
touch of lilac spotting and darker purple blotch,
edged with ruffles. Deep green and very glossy
foliage on a compact plant. A top-notch plant from
the world-famous Hachmann Nursery in Germany
and a standard in its color group. Zones 5-7. H: 4-5
ft · W: 4-5 ft
Uosukainen. Tough as nails, this Finnish beauty is
medium in height and extremely cold-hardy. Light
pink flowers sit in jaunty fashion atop its glossy
green foliage. This one stands out among the many
other varieties in our nursery for its clean
"brachycarpum-type" foliage and rounded plant
habit. Zones 3-6. H: 5-6 ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
pg. 6
pg. 2
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
15-18", 2 gal $45.00
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Käthe Heinje to Mrs. Peach
Rhododendron 'Käthe Heinje'
Rhododendron 'Maximum Roseum'
compact form
(yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada' x 'Cynthia'). Heinje
Nursery, Germany. From northern Germany near
Bremen, Käthe has abundant rounded trusses of
ruffled soft pink flowers opening from rosy-pink buds,
aging to pure white. Compact mounded habit with
dark green foliage and a trace of indumentum. Hardy
to at least -8F but she's still pretty new to the US, so
give 'er a whirl and find out for yourself! Zones
6-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Need a smaller version of a tough, hardy plant?
This works... and it's a late bloomer. The foliage,
flower and bloom time are all similar to 'Maximum
Roseum'- the big difference is size, as it stays lower
and bushier with exceptional dark green foliage.
Lots of buds open to lilac-pink flowers. Try it, you'll
like it! Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 5-6 ft
15-18", 3 gal $55.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 3 gal $55.00
Rhododendron 'Lisenne Rockefeller'
Rhododendron 'Mist Maiden'
( 'Catalode' X hyperythrum). J Thornton, LA, USA.
NEW! R.hyperythrum hybrids have recently become
popular as they are tolerant of the heat and humidity
prevalent in much of the eastern US. 'Lisenne
Rockefeller' was named for the wife of the former
Governor of Arkansas and is a pretty white with red
freckles. aka Southgate™ Divine™ Zones 5-8. H:
3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft
(yakushimanum x ?). David Leach. A vigorous
grower tolerant of adverse conditions, with a large
truss. Blooms earlier than other yaks but with
typical yak "appleblossom" flowers. Foliage is dark
green with thick tawny indumentum. Leach was
convinced this seed-grown selection was pure R.
yakushimanum. Hank (and others) thought it
screams yak x smirnowii. Zones 4-8. H: 3-4 ft · W:
4-5 ft
Rhododendron 'Love Child'
Rhododendron 'Morningside'
('Wild Affair' X 'Kristin Marie'). Schannen. The
offspring of 'Wild Affair' x 'Kristin Marie'- need we say
more? She's a late bloomer and a beautiful bicolor,
with pinky-red edging a white center- well worth
waiting for! Well-endowed with medium green, long
pointed leaves. Hank Schannen made the cross and
Jerry van de Sande came up with an inspired name
for a real beauty. Zones 6-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
NEW! Hank wasn't sure where this plant came from
and we can't seem to find anything about it so it
probably was never registered, but it's a sparky red
that is healthy and vigorous. Lots of dark red
freckles (almost) make a blotch. Dark green leaves
on a medium-sized plant- the original is at the
entrance to our display garden. Zones 6-7. H: 4-5
ft · W: 4-5 ft
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
6-10", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Maid For Shade'
Rhododendron 'Mount Siga'
Benjamin & Marian Shapiro. We're still trying to find
more about this plant's history- but it's from the
Shapiros and is a good grower that stands out after
the main bloom season is past. Pink and prettily
ruffled flowers in a nicely rounded truss are set off by
dark green leaves. The plant gets quite large and
prefers shade. Plant detective needed! Zones 6-7. H:
5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
(vernicosum aff., Rock 18139). Gable, PA. Joe
Gable selected this form of R.vernicosum from
plants grown from seeds collected in China by
Rock. The color is a lovely "peachy" pink, slightly
fragrant and has a rounded habit. It blooms in late
April to early May and so is one of the earliest
elepidotes. Pretty, fragrant, good habit- what's not
to like about 'Mount Siga'? Zones 6. H: 3-4 ft · W:
3-4 ft
24-30", 3 gal $65.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Mardi Gras'
Rhododendron 'Mr. Bluestem'
(yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada' X 'Vanessa').
Our selection of 'Maximum Roseum', with dark
reddish(blueish?)stems. It forms a large plant with
deep matte-green leaves. Blooms well before the
species R. maximum,(which it is not) around
Memorial Day, filling the flowering gap between late
May to June. Pinkish-lavender flowers are held
upright in a full dome-shaped truss. Zones 4-8. H:
5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
Bovee. One of the first yak hybrids, this is still an
outstanding variety. Bright reddish-pink buds emerge
in early to mid-May and open to trusses of 3" wide
white flowers with pink highlights and blooms young.
It has dark green leaves with tan indumentum
underneath. A compact grower that is also sun
tolerant. Zones 5-8. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft
10-15", 1 gal $35.00
15-18", 3 gal $55.00
Rhododendron 'Marjie Kay
Hinerman'
Rhododendron 'Mrs W R Coe'
('Nassau Red' X 'Dexter's Honeydew'). Trautmann.
Truly an unsung hero(ine), Midwest bred 'Marjie Kay'
has attractive medium pink ball trusses in mid-late
May, on a dark green, glossy leaved plant. But it's
the plant habit that is the real story. A naturally
compact variety that's low and spreading. An
outstanding plant that is NOT a prima donna- she
plays well with others! Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 5-6
ft
R fortunei. Dexter. NEW! Truly rhododendron
royalty, this is a majestic plant well-clothed with
large dark green leaves. Bloom-time brings large
deep purplish-pink flowers with dark red in the
throat. Selected from the fortunei hybrids originally
sent by Dexter to the Coe estate on Long Island,
now Planting Fields Arboretum. Limited availability.
Zones 6-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
24-30", 3 gal $65.00
Rhododendron 'Maud Corning'
Rhododendron 'Mrs. Peach'
(Britannia x Skyglow) or (Dexter #9). Dexter/Holden
('Max. Roseum' X 'Skipper')-peach clone.
Arboretum. One of the most fragrant hardy
rhododendrons, selected from a collection of Dexter
(fortunei) plants sent to the Holden Arboretum in
1940. Loose trusses of peachy-pink flowers with a
touch of yellow in the throat. Named for the wife of
Holden's first director who was instumental in
developing their horticultural therapy program. Zones
5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft
Schannen. Hank's cross produced several plants of
interest- this one has very full, compact trusses of a
lovely peachy-pink and light yellow blend. It's been
baptized "Mrs Peach". Good foliage, plant habit and
grows like the proverbial "weed". Slightly later
bloom than most eleps. We like it a lot and predict it
will become a standby. Zones 6-8. H: 5-6 ft · W:
4-5 ft
10-15", 1 gal $35.00
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
pg. 7
pg. 3
Multimaculatum to Spätlese
Rhododendron 'Multimaculatum'
Rhododendron 'Rhein's Picotee'
(R.ponticum x R.brachycarpum). Standish & Noble.
('Sappho' x 'Janet Blair'). Dr William Rhein,
Bagshot, Surrey, England, 1848 . NEW! One of the
oldest rhododendron hybrids we know, this was
introduced in 1848 but is mentioned in Paxton's
Magazine of Botany in 1838. Quite cold hardy and
tolerates New Jersey summers as well. Open
trusses of white flowers marked with an orangy
blotch and long strap-like dark green leaves. Limited
quantity available. Zones 4-7. H: 5-8 ft · W: 5-8 ft
Mechanicsburg PA, 1973. NEW! This striking
picotee combines the gold blotch of 'Janet Blair'
together with a purple rim derived from 'Sappho'.
The flowers are funnel-shaped with ruffled edges,
2" across, star-shaped creamy center with lavender
margins and orange-yellow dorsal lobe spotting
(blotch or flare). The dome-shaped truss holds
15-20 flowers. Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
Rhododendron 'My Jane'
Rhododendron 'Ring's Monarch'
['Arctic Gold' X ('Hardgrove's Deepest Yellow' x
'Phipp's Yellow' (# 32)]. Anderson/Bondira/
Graf Zeppelin x Newburyport Belle. Ring, Bellaire
18-24", 3 gal $60.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Jasionowski. We've finally gotten more 'My Jane',
our alternative to 'Capistrano'. Large 8" trusses of
gold buds open to big light creamy yellow flowers on
a rugged, tall-growing plant with great olive-green
foliage. NJ breeders Alan & Shirley Anderson made
this cross and "Dr.Jaz" was so impressed that he
named it for his wife. Zones 6-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft
OH, USA, 1985 . NEW! Domed trusses of lovely
ruffled pink flowers accented with a golden yellow
blotch in midseason. Gorgeous dark green leaves
are quite sun tolerant and always look great, free of
leaf spots. Does much better here than
'Scintillation' and of a similar color so obviously we
prefer it. Don't think of this as "just another pink"!
Zones 6-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
Rhododendron 'Orange peach hosein-hose'
Rhododendron 'Rona Pink'
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
unknown.NEW! A RareFind exclusive! Somehow this
lovely plant has not yet received a real name- any
ideas? Soft peach and double or "hose-in-hose"
flowers decorate a somewhat sprawling mediumsized plant, with matte olive-green leaves. If you're
one of the many fans of "peachy" rhododendrons,
you'll want to snap this one up! H: 4-6 ft · W: 4-6 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
(unknown). Dexter/Koenig. Still one of the best
Dexters. It's very floriferous and the beautiful
fragrant silvery-pink pinnacle-shaped trusses cover
the plant in midseason. We are impressed with how
well 'Rona Pink' grows, and it's become one of our
standards. Limited quantity available, so order
today! Zones 5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Pearce's American
Beauty'
Rhododendron 'Rosemont Yellow'
('Mrs. C. S. Sargent' X 'Dr. H. C. Dresselhuys'?).
Watson, 1983. Hard to walk past this one! A
distinctive plant with an overall formal effect, but the
deep rose flowers set off by a gold flare are definitely
NOT! The compact, full truss sits on an "Elizabethan
collar" of wide dark green leaves. Very cold hardy
and a robust grower which is becoming more
popular. Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft
('Hotei' X 'Lem's Legacy'). Roberts/Van deSande. If
you want a great foliage plant look no further. Super
glossy leaves and compact habit are great features
of this easy to grow find. Creamy trusses add color
in May. Great plant from the garden of the late
Howard Roberts, Rosemont, PA. Registered by our
propagator Jerry Van de Sande. Zones 6-7.
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
Rhododendron 'Porcelain Promise'
Rhododendron 'Silver Lady'
('Peach Charm' x 'Pirouette'). Barlup, WA, USA,
(yakushimanum X smirnowii). Horstmann/Wieting.
Rarely offered for sale in the US, this German yak
X smirnowii hybrid offers several seasons of
interest! Delicately beautiful rosy buds open to
trusses of white flowers that retain a touch of light
pink. New growth is covered with silver tomentum
and beneath with thick creamy-tan indumentum, on
a compact shrub wider than tall. Zones 5. H: 2-3
ft · W: 3-4 ft
1992. NEW! Generously ruffled pure white flowers in
ball-shaped trusses with a slight touch of yellow in
the throat markings. Dark anthers surround a golden
pistil, for a unique effect. Deep green foliage. Not for
colder climates, but if you're in Zone 7 or warmer,
give it a try! Limited availability. Zones 7-9. H: 4-5
ft · W: 4-5 ft
15-18", 3 gal $55.00
10-15", 1 gal $35.00
Rhododendron 'Purple Passion'
Rhododendron 'Solidarity'
('Purple Splendor' X 'Catalgla'). Blough. When we're
asked for a good purple rhododendron,'Purple
Passion' has become our standard answer. It hails
from the "icebox" of western PA where winter
temperatures can reach -20F. Trusses of medium
purple flowers with a white flare on the upper lobe.
The plant is upright and vase-shaped, with deep
green leaves. Zones 4-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
(R. yakushimanum x 'The Honourable Jean Marie
de Montague') .Our signature plant! Hank
Schannen hybridized this winner, with luminous
extra-large flowers combining red, pink and white
hues as they age and new buds open. The
vigorous, wider than tall plant has dark green
leathery foliage. Southerners report it to be one of
the best eleps for its excellent heat tolerance. Very
special! Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 3
gal $55.00 | 24-30", B&B $150.00
Rhododendron 'Rabatz'
Rhododendron 'Spätlese'
('Double Date' X 'Erato'). Hachmann Nursery,
(discolor hybrid). DG Böhlje, Germany, 1977.
Extend the bloom season! Flowers the first week of
June; Winelovers know the German name
(pronounced "shpaet'lesa") means "late harvest",
for sweeter grapes picked late in the season. Big
deep pink, ruffled, funnel-shaped flowers have red
interior flecks. Glossy dark green leaves and
vigorous, wide upright habit. Wunderbar! Zones
6-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
Germany. The name means "ruckus" or "uproar" in
German and this variety may certainly cause an
uproar in the world of red rhododendrons. Brilliant
cardinal red flowers in full trusses appear in May on
compact growing plants, unusual for reds. We must
grow it for a few years more to see if it's as good as
we think. It looks great so far! Zones 6-7. H: 4-5
ft · W: 4-5 ft
15-18", 3 gal $50.00
pg. 8
pg. 4
30-36", 3 gal $65.00
Spring Fragrance to R. makinoi
Rhododendron 'Spring Fragrance'
Rhododendron 'White Elegance'
('Koichiro Wada' x 'Loderi Venus'). Fujioka, WA USA,
('Janet Blair' x 'Phipps 84'). Werner Brack, NY,
1995. NEW! Breeder Frank Fujioka has created
many plants we Easterners can only dream about.
We might have a chance with this one, but probably
not colder than Zone 7(or 6b).Lovely flowers of
palest pink surrounded by full dark green, leathery
leaves. There's yak and fortunei in the background
so who knows? Plants can't read! Zones 7-8. H: 4-5
ft · W: 4-5 ft
USA, 1985. NEW! Superb and magnificent even!
Huge, voluptuous white flowers with overlapping
petals and enlivened with a deep red spot in the
throat. Best of all, the plant is thrifty(easy to grow)
with nice dark green leaves. Seems to grow as
wide as tall.
Rhododendron 'Stokes Opal'
Rhododendron 'Whitestone'
Stokes, Butler PA, USA. We don't know much about
the origin, but we CAN say it's a very pretty late
bloomer. May be a cross of maximum x catawbiense
as Stokes made a number of crosses using those
species. It's also cold hardy, to at least -20F, possibly
-31F. Originally 'Opal', but we call it 'Stokes Opal' to
differentiate from the evergreen azalea. Zones
5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
(unknown parentage). Vossberg, NY, USA, 1960 .
NEW! We've had small numbers of this oldie for
years but not enough to list before. Gorgeous
double white blooms on this probable fortunei type
plant that originated on Long Island. A classic
beauty. For you breeders, the double flowers are
easily inherited.
Rhododendron 'Trinity'
Rhododendron 'Wyandanch Pink'
('Powell Glass' selfed X yakushimanum 'Koichiro
Wada'). Pride. The term "angelic" comes to mind!
Starting from pink buds, large white flowers open
with faint dorsal spotting of light green. Dark green
medium size foliage on a well-rounded plant. We
believe it to be the best of the many white
catawbiense x yakushimanum hybrids. One of the
best performers in the cold northeastern US. Zones
4-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
(parentage unknown). Dexter. A classic Dexter, this
has become one of our top 10 plants for the
northeast. Tall globes of bright rose pink with a
darker pink throat, set off by very large leaves with
impressed veins. Slow to bud, but will take almost
full sun. It is very tough and can grow to be a
stately, well-clothed, magnificent plant. Give it room.
Zones 4-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Tripoli'
Rhododendron 'Yellow Baby'
(unknown parentage). Dexter, Sandwich MA, USA.
We can only say "gorgeous" when trying to describe
'Tripoli'! One of the darkest-colored Dexters, dark
reddish pink (or pinkish-red) with a freckled dark
blotch. Bushy plant covered with narrow dark green
leaves. Selected by the Ross Dexter committe as
"Ross EEE" - get it? Zones 6-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
(unknown parentage). H Fuller, pre-1985. NEW!
Perhaps this name was registered as a joke- it's
neither yellow nor small! It IS the largest and
fastest growing rhododendron here at RareFind,
but was purchased labeled 'Yellow Baby'. It's pink
and a grows like a beast. No refunds for purchasers
who complain it ain't yellow- we warned you! AKA
Goliath and 'Hank's Mystery'. Zones 6-7. H: 6-7
ft · W: 5-6 ft
Rhododendron 'Visiting Angels'
Rhododendron degronianum ssp.
yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada'
10-15" $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
(cat album X yak or reverse). Pride/named by
Schannen. This Cat album x yak hybrid by Pride was
unnamed for many years but it deserved something
very special. After Hank's best friend Warren Berg
passed away, Hank was inspired by the name of
Warren's hospice care service, 'Visiting Angels', to
name this lovely white-flowered plant with dark green
leaves in Warren's memory. Zones 4-7.
aka FCC form. Koichiro Wada. Sent by Japanese
nurseryman K Wada in the 1930's to Lionel de
Rothschild in England as his finest selection of R
yakushimanum. The low, mounded plant features
small very deep green convex leaves with extra
thick indumentum. A mixture of unopened pink
buds and white flowers gives a two-toned effect.
Slow-growing but SO worth it! Zones 5-7. H: 1-2
ft · W: 2-3 ft
Rhododendron 'Vivacious'
Rhododendron fortunei
('America' X 'Dr Ross'). Forster, Vineland ONT,
A favorite for the lovely flowers, form and tough
constitution. We grow it both from seed and from
cuttings. Flowers are usually pink fading to white,
often fragrant, 3 to 4" wide, in loose trusses.
"Paddle-shaped" leaves are mostly matte green,
but some have a blue-green cast. Quite heat
tolerant. Limited availability. Zones 5-8. H: 5-6
ft · W: 5-6 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
6-10", 1 gal $30.00
Canada, 1961. Canada cold-hardy, 'Vivacious' offers
cardinal-red blooms of heavy substance untainted
with purple and superb leathery foliage. Ball-shaped
trusses with 10 or more flowers. Blooms in late
midseason with open funnel-shaped flowers on a
medium sized well-branched plant. Medium green
leaves, retained 2 years. Zones 6-7. H: 3-4 ft · W:
4-5 ft
15-18", 1 gal $35.00 | 18-24", 3 gal $60.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Vulcan's Flame'
Rhododendron makinoi
(griersonianum X 'Mars'). Ben Lancaster. A show
stopper! Seeking a more compact red, breeder Ben
Lancaster made the reverse cross of the famous
'Vulcan'. His selection has fiery orange-red flowers
held in an almost ball shaped truss, blooming in late
mid-season. Leaves are matte green, slender and
pointed. Wants some shade in our climate- not for
the exposed garden. Zones 6-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
This would still be a garden gem just for its leaves,
which are long and narrow and arranged around
the stems like the ribs of an umbrella. New growth
is covered with white tomentum and the plant habit
is dense and rounded. Flowers are pink turning
white and held in a compact truss. This species
does well in the Northeast. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4
ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
6-10", 1 gal $35.00
pg. 9
pg. 5
R. metternichii to R yakushimanum Grande
Rhododendron metternichii aka
degronianum subsp. heptamerum
Despite the confusing name, this is a good looking
plant. This species is native to northern Japan, has
pale to deep pink flowers, sometimes lined with
deeper pink inside. The evergreen leaves have a
lush reddish-brown indumentum. It makes a dense
mounded plant, spectacular year 'round! Try one and
see what you've been missing! Zones 5-7. H: 3-5
ft · W: 3-5 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron pachysanthum
A rare species from a few high mountains in Taiwan,
certainly a contender for the most attractive foliage
of any rhododendron. New growth covered with white
to brown indumentum which changes to golden tan,
wearing off during the summer, yet retains a thick
layer underneath the leaves. Pink buds, white
flowers. Not for beginners. Zones 6. H: 3-4 ft · W:
3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $45.00
Rhododendron yakushimanum
'Grande'
NEW! Some plants just seem to appear out of
nowhere- this is one! It's a good-lookin', medium
sized, compact mound with thick tan indumentum on
the underside of the relatively large leaves. Buds are
pink, opening to white flowers with some yellowishgreen spots in the throat. One of the best for silvery
young foliage. Zones 5-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 5-6 ft
6-10", 1 gal $30.00
Carrying on Hank’s Legacy:
The Future of Rhododendrons at RareFind
Hank Schannen, the founder of RareFind Nursery was
a man with a mission: to find and propagate rhododendrons that would thrive in the often challenging climate of
the continental US. His collection includes many different
kinds of rhododendrons, giving us a unique opportunity
to assess garden performance as well as beauty.
There are many excellent varieties available but there is
room for improvement on many fronts. Colors such as
deep yellows, oranges and reds are needed, desired and
possible. Disease-resistant and heat-tolerant plants with
more diverse colors are in the pipeline. Beautiful and distinctive foliage—whether variegated, extra large or small,
rounded, very narrow and even purple leaves—can add
exciting texture and color to the garden all year.
Longtime RareFind employee Ron Rabideau has been
hybridizing rhododendrons for nearly 30 years, with ‘Absolute Citron’ his best known introduction so far. It’s been
said that perhaps only one out of 10,000 new seedlings is
worthy of introducing, making this venture a labor of love.
We’ve been evaluating many new varieties from Ron and
other breeders and have identified some as exceptional.
These are being propagated for us in quantity and we will
be offering them in the next few years. Stay tuned!
pg. 10
pg. 6
Hank Schannen’s
CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS
WITH RHODODENDRONS
To inject some humor into Hank’s talks on rhododendrons,
he began providing a handout to reduce planting and care
problems. Then a funny thing happened. Since we began
using it, we noticed a decline in questions about how to
handle rhododendrons and azaleas. It turns out it helps
and that’s no joke. So here it is.
12 Criteria for Success
1. Drainage
2. Drainage
3. Drainage
4. Drainage
5. Drainage
6. Drainage
7. Acid pH
8. Dappled shade
9. Able to water when needed
10. If containerized, loosen roots (viciously)
11. When in doubt, plant HIGH!!
12. Hmmmm – More DRAINAGE!!!
9 Ways to Kill a Rhododendron
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Site on the southwest corner of a house
Full sun
Heavy clay soil
Wet – poor drainage
Down spout nearby
Plunk the containerized plant into the ground with
root ball in pristine condition
7. Ignore #1 – #7 Criteria
8. Ignore #12 Criteria
9. Ignore #12 Criteria
Ron Rabideau making crosses
onto ‘Bud’s Yellow’
‘Alena’
LEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS:
LEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS
Angel Powder to R. hippophaeodes Blue Silver
$$plantID:1346$$ %%catName:Lepidote Rhododendrons%%
Rhododendron 'Angel Powder'
Rhododendron 'Lavender Ice'
('Epoch' X white flowered mucronulatum). Delp.
Among the best of Delp's lepidote hybrids, this
grows in popularity every year as more gardeners
discover 'Angel Powder's ethereal beauty. Large
white flowers with a subtle pink blush and light pink
spotting, on a medium-growing plant with larger
leaves similar to R.carolinianum. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4
ft · W: 3-4 ft
(Delp's Carefree OP, perhaps X (Epoch X
augustinii)). H. Schannen, Jackson NJ, USA. NEW!
We grew over 200 seedlings of Delp's 'Carefree',
and saved only one. The flowers are about 1.5"
across, with 3 to 4 per truss and light bluishlavender in color. Plant is very compact but
vigorous. Leaves are dark green, which turn almost
bronze-black in the winter. Reliable and heat
tolerant, try it for an early show. Zones 5. H: 3-4
ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Dawn's Early Light'
Rhododendron 'Mary Fleming'
(R.keiskei X R.xanthocodon). unknown. Combine
this with April's blue, lavender and purple lepidotes.
A compact grower, with large blooms of barium
yellow and a touch of green, much earlier and larger
than other R.keiskei hybrids. We'll vouch for its cold
hardiness, as it has thrived and bloomed in cold
central MA. It may not actually be a hybrid but who
cares? Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft
(keiskei x racemosum x keiskei ). Nearing, DE,
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
USA. Some plants play supporting roles rather
than starring ones. A great choice for separating
the strong colors of other plants in the late April
garden, as the combination of pale yellow from
R.keiskei and rays of salmon pink from
R.racemosum produce a unique effect. Attractive
bronzy winter foliage on a reliable performer. Zones
5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Fairy Mary'
Rhododendron 'Molly Fordham'
(keiskei 'Yaku Fairy' x 'Mary Fleming'). Berg. One of
the best and hardiest of Berg's Yaku Fairy hybrids.
Forms a tight bun similar in habit to 'Ginny Gee', but
flowers are more white in color, sometimes tinged
with light yellow and pink. Very dark bronze foliage in
winter. Great for rock gardens, troughs and small
gardens. Zones 5-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft
('Balta' x minus Carolinianum Group). Mezitt/
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Weston Nurseries. This has become our white
lepidote of choice. Think of it as a PJM-type
rhododendron, but covered with trusses of
exceptional white flowers and set off by dark green
and glossy foliage. Growth habit is compact and
upright. As with all lepidotes, provide sharp
drainage and enjoy the early-mid April bloom.
Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 2 gal. $50.00
Rhododendron 'Faisa'
Rhododendron 'Sugar Puff'
(minus Carolinianum group X polycladum Scintillans
Group). Delp. A top choice when we're asked for a
"foolproof" lepidote. Smoky lavender-blue flowers,
with a densely compact, upright form and bronzy
foliage. Unlike many lepidotes, our hot dry summers
don't seem to bother it. It's also cold hardy, growing
and blooming in MA in an exposed location after
reaching -26°F above the snow. Zones 4-7. H: 3-4
ft · W: 3-4 ft
(racemosum X minus Carolinianum Group). F.
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
Read/Brigg's Nursery. One unique rhodo! Small,
1.5" long narrow leaves loosely clothe showy red
stems of this densely twiggy wonder that buds
extremely heavily. As many as 7-8 buds per shoot
producing 14-20 flowers in what appears to be one
large domed truss of puffy white flowers which
cover the plant. Blooms late March to early April.
Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
15-18", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Ginny Gee'
Rhododendron 'Yellow Eyes'
(keiskei 'Yaku Fairy' X racemosum). Berg. Named by
Warren Berg after Hank Schannen's wife Virginia,
this award-winning favorite is grown around the
world. Two-toned pink flowers that turn to pinky-white
totally cover this dwarf, small-leafed plant which is
both heat and cold tolerant. Foliage turns dark
maroon in the winter. Zones 5-7. H: 18-24 in · W:
30-36 in
('Wyanokie' X unknown). Nearing/Fitzburgh. A
striking golden-yellow "eye" or flare marks mediumsized cream colored flowers displayed in spherical
trusses of 8 or 9 on an upright, vigorous plant. New
growth is reddish. Seldom offered, this is a true
"rare find". Give it the sun and good drainage that
most lepidotes prefer and you'll enjoy it for many
springs to come! Zones 6-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 1-2 ft
6-10", 1 gal $30.00
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
Rhododendron 'Hank's Mellow
Yellow'
Rhododendron dauricum 'Daurie
Four'
(Ginny Gee open pollinated, 1968). H. Schannen.
Think of 'Ginny Gee', in yellow. Hank took seed from
the original Berg plant over 40 years ago, grew about
100 seedlings and only one was yellow. It completely
covers itself with blossoms. Foliage turns bronzy in
the fall and can take sun. The habit is that of a flat
ground cover. Excellent for bonsai or the rock
garden. Zones 5-7. H: 1-2 ft · W: 2-3 ft
H. Schannen, NJ, USA. Hank grew seed from a
plant of R.dauricum and this one (#4) was the best
of the seedlings. Very tough and cold-hardy, it's one
of the earliest spring bloomers, with violet-purple
flowers on a semi-evergreen plant. Grows tall and
open in the shade but more compact in a sunnier
location. Limited quantity available. Zones 4-7. H:
4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'June Bee'
Rhododendron hippophaeoides
'Blue Silver'
('Yaku Fairy' x 'Mary Fleming'). Berg. A compact
grower that is, in effect, a white 'Ginny Gee'. Even
though a dwarf, it is still a vigorous grower and
reliable in both heat and cold. Named by Warren
Berg after a dear friend, June Sinclair, and is still
rarely offered. We have had this plant for a number
of years and strongly recommend it. Zones 5-7. H:
2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
NEW! An unusual selection or hybrid of R.
hippophaeoides with narrow silvery-gray leaves
and lavender-blue flowers. Winter color is bronze.
Plant habit is dome-shaped. Our stock plant came
from Glendoick Nursery in Scotland. Prefers cooler
climates; NJ is about the southern limit of it's
tolerance for heat and humidity. Zones 5-6. H:
30-36 in · W: 30-36 in
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
pg. 11
pg. 7
LEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS
LEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS:
R. keiskei Yaku Fairy to R. mucronulatum Cornell Pink
Rhododendron keiskei 'Yaku Fairy'
'Yaku Fairy' is the smallest selection of R. keiskei var
ozawae and has been used extensively in
hybridizing, but it's an excellent plant in its own right.
Buttery pale yellow flowers on a low-growing mound
with oval pointed olive green leaves- too cute, a fairy
rhododendron for your fairy garden! (Sorry, couldn't
resist!) Zones 5-7. H: 1-1 ft · W: 2-2 ft
6-10", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron minus 'Kolomoki'
collected by J Thornton, Early County GA, USA.
Collected near the Kolomoki Creek in SW Georgia,
this clonal form of the native species R. minus has
deep green leaves and pink flowers. It's proven to be
very heat tolerant and grows like a "weed" here in
the North. Aka 'Fort Gaines', the Kolomoki Mounds
were built by an ancient Native American moundbuilding civilization. Zones 6-8.
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
Rhododendron minus var. chapmanii
NEW! Good selections of chapmanii are worthy
garden plants, growing low and compact with twisted
green leaves and flowers similar to R.minus but in
pink. Heat tolerant but also surprisingly cold hardy in
the north. Native to the Florida panhandle, in harsh
winters the leaves may burn, but the plant is
unharmed and springs back. Zones 6-8. H: 1-2
ft · W: 1-2 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Customer Quotes
“Every time I go out to water my gardens and check
up on my new plants, I think about you guys. My
typical experiences have me leery of purchasing
plants by mail order, but I had to have Fothergilla
x intermedia ‘Red Licorice’ and RareFind Nursery
was the only place I could find it. The plants were
promptly shipped and arrived in my Central Illinois
location in very good condition. They were packed
well, were of good size and excellent quality. You
could just tell by the healthy look of the foliage and
the root mass that care had been taken to insure
the best possible plant quality. They transplanted
easily and are thriving. Thanks for a wonderful experience and for top notch plants.”
—VG
Gift Certificates
Rhododendron mucronulatum
Korean Rhododendron
You know spring is on the way when R.
mucronulatum bravely flaunts its flowers! This is the
wild type lavender-flowered form of the "Korean
azalea", rarely available and quite cold-hardy. Lovely
with pale yellow and white daffodils! Sometimes
listed as a deciduous azalea, we consider it to be a
lepidote. Tough as nails! Zones 4-7. H: 4-5 ft · W:
2-3 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 2 gal $50.00
'Bedroom Pink'
(dwarf dauricum X mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink').
Schannen, NJ, USA. Bright pink flowers cover this
prolific bloomer. If hit by late frosts, it still continues
blooming. It's a compact grower with small glossy
and mostly deciduous leaves. The name resulted
from Hank's referring to it as "the pink by the
bedroom." When it came time for a name, it was all
too easy to just call it "Bedroom Pink." Zones 5.
Gift certificates are available in amounts of $25, 50, 75,
100, 150, 175, 200, 250 and $500. Please indicate on
the order form whether you would like us to send the
certificate to you or the recipient, and their name and
address. We will include a current RareFind Nursery
catalog. Gift Certificates now have an expiration date
to comply with New Jersey regulations. They are valid for two (2) years from date of purchase. Please add
the amount(s) to your order and payment. You may also
order gift certificates on our website, by visiting us at
www.rarefindnursery.com.
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
'Cornell Pink'
Bowers. From the mountains of Korea comes some
of the first blossoms of spring, in very early April.
This clear light pink selection is well-known as an
alternative to lavender. Unlike most other lepidotes,
R.mucronulatum is fully deciduous, but compensates
with great cold-hardiness. Zones 4-6. H: 4-5 ft · W:
2-3 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 2 gal $45.00
Customer Quotes
PLE
SAM
“My tree is coming! My tree is coming! Can you see me
dancing? Magnolia ‘Cotton Candy’”
—EF
pg. 12
pg. 8
DECIDUOUS AZALEAS
DECIDUOUS AZALEAS:
Admiral Semmes to Keowee Sunset
$$plantID:1331$$ %%catName:Deciduous Azaleas%%
Rhododendron 'Admiral Semmes'
Rhododendron 'Choptank Rose'
('Hotspur Yellow' X R.austrinum). Dodd & Dodd
(atlanticum x periclymenoides).Selected by Polly
Hill from a natural hybrid swarm found along the
Choptank River on the Maryland-Delaware border.
Zone 5 hardy and grows to about 5-6'. Rose pink
and white flowers with a yellow blotch bloom in late
May for us. This one has the darkest pink flowers of
the Choptank hybrids. And it's fragrant too! H: 5-6
ft · W: 4-5 ft
Nurseries. Medium yellow flowers with deeper dorsal
flares and pleasing fragrance in May. Lustrous dark
green mildew-free leaves turn orange-bronze in fall.
One of Dodd's Confederate Series, crosses of
Exbury azaleas with the heat-tolerant native Florida
azalea. Admiral Semmes' record of 87 Union ships
sunk or captured remains unbroken. Zones 5 - 9. H:
4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
18-24", 5 gal $60.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 18-24", 3 gal $60.00
Rhododendron 'Arneson Ruby'
Rhododendron 'Fireball'
unknown. Arneson. Grow your own rubies! One of
our most popular deciduous azaleas, with large,
ruby-red, wavy-edged flowers in ball trusses,
produced in abundance in mid-late May. Plant is
vigorous and upright. Like most deciduous azaleas,
prefers full sun to part shade in hotter climates, and
moist, well-drained soil for best results. Zones 5-7. H:
3-4 ft · W: 2-3 ft
(unknown). Knap Hill. Tired of soothing pastels?
Enliven your garden in mid-May with this rich
flame-red flower flared with orange. An upright
grower with glossy bronze leaves when they first
emerge. Well named—it's really red! Can be slow to
emerge in spring, but don't despair- it comes to life
and blooms quickly thereafter. Zones 5-8. H: 3-4
ft · W: 2-3 ft
Rhododendron 'Baltic Amber'
Rhododendron 'Fragrant Star'
(R. x gandavense).Amber-gold (orange-yellow?)
flowers in early June grace this wide-upright growing
plant. An ornamental feature is the striking bluegreen mildew resistant foliage. Parentage unknown
but it's from Weston Nurseries, one of their
gandavense group hybrids. Zones 5-8. H: 4-6
ft · W: 4-6 ft
(atlanticum X canescens). Briggs Nursery, WA. A
polyploid (doubled chromosomes) "frankenplant"
developed at Briggs Nursery by treating 'Snowbird'
with colchicine. Considered by many to be the most
fragrant deciduous azalea, with slightly larger, pure
white flowers, more substantial leaves and thicker
branches but the same beautiful bluish foliage.
Zones 4-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 2-3 ft
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
15-18", 1 gal $35.00 | 18-24" 3 gal. $60.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 18-24", 5 gal $60.00
Rhododendron 'Bonbon'
Rhododendron 'Framingham'
Mezitt, Weston Nurseries, 1963. Sweet! 'Bonbon' is
loaded with richly fragrant sprays of pink flowers in
June. Bluish-green mildew resistant foliage turns
bronze in fall. A less-well known but definitely
noteworthy Weston Nurseries introduction.
[(viscosum x cumberlandense) x arborescens].
Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 2-3 ft
viscosum hybrid. Mezitt/Weston Nurseries, MA
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
USA. Valuable for late bloom thanks to its
R.viscosum parentage. 'Framingham' has deep
pink buds and opens to yellowish-pink with a yellow
flare. Shiny dark blue-green foliage is mildewresistant. Another excellent deciduous azalea from
the Mezitts of Weston Nursery in cold central
Massachusetts. Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 3 gal $45.00
Rhododendron 'Candy Lights'
Rhododendron 'Gibraltar'
(R. atlanticum x Mollis hybrid (R. x kosteranum)).
(unknown). E. de Rothschild. A garden classic for
bold color schemes! Frilled, fragrant vivid orange
flowers are flushed reddish-orange, deep crimson
in bud, 2-3/8" to 3" across. Ball-shaped trusses
hold 10-12 flowers. Blooms midseason (May).
Mildew resistant leaves. Upright growth habit.
Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Pellett, UMN Landscape Arboretum. Cold climates
need color too! Dome-shaped trusses of 8-10
extremely fragrant light pink flowers streaked with
pale yellow appear in mid to late spring. Very hardy,
disease resistant and a moderate growth rate in full
sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Nice purple
fall color. One of the outstanding Northern Lights
series. Zones 4-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 3-5 ft
18-24", 3 gal $60.00
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
Rhododendron 'Chauncey Beadle'
Rhododendron 'Golden Showers'
(arborescens x calendulaceum).Deep pink flowers
with a yellow blotch; plant is a semi-dwarf natural
hybrid. Chauncey Beadle was the head nurseryman
and superintendent for 60 years at Vanderbilt's
Biltmore Estate in NC. He cared for over 1,000
azaleas in the Azalea Garden and became a leading
authority on native azaleas in the US. Zones 5 8. H: 2-3 ft · W: 2-3 ft
(viscosum x bakeri). Mezitt. Peachy-orange buds
open to flowers that are a blend of yellow and pale
peach, with a delicious vanilla fragrance in July. The
addition of beautiful shiny foliage makes this a
winner for any garden. Like most deciduous
azaleas it prefers a sunny site with well drained
soil. Outstanding! Zones 5 - 8. H: 3-4 ft · W: 2-3 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
Rhododendron 'Choice Cream'
Rhododendron 'Keowee Sunset'
(austrinum X atlanticum). Galle. An early-blooming
beauty with creamy pale yellow flowers set off by
light pink tubes. The flowers are very fragrant, and
the bloom season is unusually long. Justifiably
popular! Zones 5-9. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
(periclymenoides x calendulaceum?). Clarence
Towe's selection of a native azalea found in the
wild. Regardless of the speculative parentage, this
is an excellent plant, featuring an abundance of
large pink flowers adorned by a yellow flare, on a
plant of upright spreading growth habit with mildewfree foliage. Likes a sunny site with good drainage.
Found near Lake Keowee, SC. Zones 5-8. H: 4-5
ft · W: 3-4 ft
24-30", 3 gal $75.00
30-36", 5 gal, add extra shipping $75.00
pg. 14
pg. 9
DECIDUOUS AZALEAS
DECIDUOUS AZALEAS:
Lemon Lights to R. arborescens
Rhododendron 'Lemon Lights'
Rhododendron 'Turquoise and
Gold'
[(Exbury hybrid x atlanticum)OP]. Johnson and
Pellett. A favorite with us as this will frequently
rebloom in fall, with fragrant lemon-yellow flowers.
Blooms prolifically on an upright but rounded shrub
with good disease resistance. Plant in either full sun
or partial shade. One of the "Northern Lights" series,
super-hardy plants from the Minnesota breeding
program. Zones 4-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
(Goldfinch OP). Ron Rabideau/RareFind Nursery.
NEW! Ron grew open-pollinated seeds from the
Ghent hybrid 'Goldfinch' and chose this distinctive
seedling. Extremely fragrant bright yellow flowers
with orangy buds occur just before and with the
leaves. Habit is rounded and full, with strong
branches. Large mildew resistant leaves, very
glaucous (blue), hence the name. Zones 5-7. H:
3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Rhododendron 'Mandarin Lights'
(calendulaceum x 'Orangeade'). Johnson and
Rhododendron 'Weston's Lemon
Drop'
Pellett, U Minn, USA. For climatically challenged
areas, here's another super-hardy "Northern Lights"
series azalea from Minnesota. A darker orange
blotch on the upper lobes brightens the glowing
orange ball-shaped trusses enhanced by a delicate
fragrance. Blossoms appear in late May- early June
on this vigorous upright growing plant. Zones 3-7. H:
4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
(R. viscosum hybrid X unknown). Mezitt, MA, USA.
Peachy buds produce an abundance of light yellow
flowers with a lemony aroma. Flowers may last up
to two weeks or more in the heat of mid-July. The
vigorous upright shrub has small blue-green
mildew-resistant leaves turning dark pink-red in fall.
Winter stems are a distinctive reddish-brown.
Zones 3-8. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Rhododendron 'Millennium'
Rhododendron 'Weston's Lollipop'
('Weston's Sparkler' X 'Weston's Parade'). Mezitt,
([viscosum x bakeri] x arborescens). Mezitt,
Weston Nurseries, MA. Some plants start to look
tired in the heat of summer, but not 'Millennium'! An
upright-growing shrub with thick blue-green leaves
and striking silvery undersides. The flowers are a
deep dusty red in early to mid-July and hold up well
when it's 90° outside. One of the best! Zones 5-8. H:
4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Weston Nurseries, MA USA. Another winner from
Weston Nurseries in Massachusetts! This one has
pink flowers with a yellowish flare and a sweet
lingering fragrance in mid-June. Mildew-resistant
foliage and nice fall color. Plant habit is full and
compact. Zones 4-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Rhododendron 'Mount Saint Helens'
Rhododendron 'Weston's Popsicle'
('Cecile' x unnamed Knap Hill azalea). P. Girard.
We're suckers for the combination of pink and
orange! A distinctive kaleidoscope of glowing flowers
smothers this azalea every year. The huge ball truss,
with 12-15 flowers per truss, always makes this plant
a head-turner in the garden. Prefers sun to part
shade and fertile, well-drained soil for best results.
Volcanic! Zones 4-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
(Selected from hybrids of arborescens). Mezitt/
Rhododendron 'My Mary'
Rhododendron 'Weston's Sparkler'
(Choptank C-1= [atlanticum x periclymenoides] X
Gold austrinum). Beasley. Breeder George Beasley
wrote:"Our finest seedling from our controlled
crosses is a lovely yellow. It has more than I had
hoped for - beauty, charm, good tough leaves, good
plant form, hardiness and strong pleasing fragrance.
Only one name seemed adequate for this fine
plant.'My Mary' was the choice. Zones 5-8. H: 4-5
ft · W: 4-5 ft
(selected from Ed Mezitts third-generation 1963
viscosum hybrids). Mezitt, Weston Nurseries, MA
Rhododendron 'Pennsylvania'
Rhododendron alabamense
Alabama azalea
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
18-24", 3 gal $60.00
6-10", 1 gal $25.00 | 18-24", 5 gal $60.00
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
3-4', 5 gal, add extra shipping $75.00
(unknown). Mezitt. Our visitors always admire
'Pennsylvania'. It blooms in mid-July, when most
gardens are in the mid-summer doldrums. Light pink
stars with an orange blotch and a fruity fragrance
cover a well-formed shrub of upright growth. The
small rounded leaves are apple green and put on a
fall display of coppery yellow. An RFN favorite!
Zones 4-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
24-30", 5 gal $65.00
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
Weston Nursery, MA, USA. Treat yourself to a
popsicle in June! Large dark pink and fragrant
flowers are set off by an orange flare. Shiny,
mildew-resistant foliage that changes to burgundyred in the fall. Very refreshing! Limited quantity
available. Zones 4-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 2-3 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 18-24", 3 gal $60.00
USA. Ruffled dark pink flowers with a spicy,
chocolate-like fragrance over a period of several
weeks in July. Blue-green foliage has silvery
undersides and becomes burgundy-red in fall.
Mildew resistant foliage. Zones 4-8. H: 5-6 ft · W:
4-5 ft
24-30", 5 gal $65.00
Lemon-spice fragrance makes snowy white flowers
sparked by a prominent yellow blotch stand out
when they bloom in midseason. Native to north
central Alabama and western to central Georgia
and South Carolina, it's a delightful landscape
addition, spreading by underground stems to form
a medium-sized plant. Drought tolerant. Zones 5 8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron 'Ribbon Candy'
Rhododendron arborescens Sweet
Azalea
[(bakeri x arborescens) x red mollis]. Mezitt, Weston
Nursery, MA, USA. Dark pink buds open to pink with
white stripes, like ribbon candy with a yellow blotch.
This blooms at the end of June and into July with a
sharp spicy-peppery fragrance. Foliage is dark green
with a slight twist and turns beautiful shades of
burgundy, red and orange in autumn. Zones 4-8. H:
6-8 ft · W: 4-6 ft
2-3', 5 gal, add extra shipping $75.00
Heliotrope scent distinguishes one of the most
ornamental native azaleas, found from
Pennsylvania south to GA and AL. Blooms from
late May to August. White or pale pink flowers,
often with a yellow flare, have long stamens and
purplish-red styles. Mature height is usually well
over 5', spreading to a broad clump. Zones 5-8. H:
5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
6-10", 1 gal $25.00 | 18-24", 3 gal $60.00
pg. 10
pg. 15
DECIDUOUS AZALEAS
DECIDUOUS AZALEAS:
R. arborescens var georgiana to R. periclymenoides
Rhododendron arborescens var
georgiana
Rhododendron canadense Rhodora
NEW! Rarely offered, this is a compact grower with
class! Very heat-tolerant and late-blooming (late
July-early August here in central NJ) and very
fragrant. Funnel-shaped, 1.5"-2" long flowers are
white, accented with pink or red style and pistils.
Shiny green foliage turns orange and red in the fall.
Limited availability. Zones 5-8. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Treasured by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thoreau and
generations of New Englanders, the native
Rhodora flashes its purple blossoms on twisted
greyish branches before the leaves emerge, similar
to R.mucronulatum of Korea. Found wild along cuts
in woods and swampy areas but rarely offered for
sale. Prefers colder climates and wet areas. Zones
4-6a. H: 2-3 ft · W: 2-3 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron atlanticum Coast
Azalea
Rhododendron canadense var.
album White Rhodora
White and powerfully fragrant flowers on a semidwarf, stoloniferous plant with glaucous leaves,
forming clumps and rarely growing over 3' tall. Found
along the coastal plain from NJ and Pennsylvania
south to GA. It often hybridizes or intergrades in the
wild with R.periclymenoides in the north and
R.canescens in the south. Zones 5-8. H: 2-3 ft · W:
4-5 ft
Truly a "rare find", this is the white-flowered form of
the lovely native Rhodora; foliage is paler green
than the purple form. Prefers colder climates, and
best in wet/boggy areas, as it's native to bogs and
swamps in New England and north. Limited
quantity available. Zones 4-6. H: 2-3 ft · W: 2-3 ft
Rhododendron atlanticum 'Marydel'
Coast Azalea
Rhododendron colemanii 'Flat
Creek Tetra' Red Hills Azalea
(atlanticum).Picture lush, blue-green leaves, add
medium-pink flowers covering the plant, a seductive
scent, and you have 'Marydel'. Polly Hill found it
growing wild near Marydel, Delaware close to the
Choptank River and registered it as a natural hybrid
of R. atlanticum and R. periclymenoides.
Stoloniferous, low-growing habit. Zones 5-8. H: 3-4
ft · W: 5-6 ft
(Monroe Cty AL, near Big Flat Creek). Miller/
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
24-30", 5 gal $65.00
Thornton. According to Ron Miller, this clone has
the largest flowers he's found(3") and will bloom
later (June)"up there where they don't serve grits
for breakfast". This new species was recently split
from alabamense as it's a naturally occurring
tetraploid. It's stoloniferous and has white flowers.
Should also do well further North.
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
Rhododendron austrinum 'Millie
Mac' Florida Azalea
Rhododendron cumberlandense
(bakeri) Cumberland Azalea
This gal's an all-time favorite with us, both for the
spectacular blooms in late April to early May and the
vigorous growth habit. Reddish-orange buds develop
into large flower trusses of vivid yellow with the
added bonus of fragrance, set off by a distinct white
margin. Medium green foliage on a plant of vaseshaped habit. Zones 6-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft
Often mistaken for R. calendulaceum in the wild,
but this species is rare and blooms late, from June
to Aug. after the leaves are fully expanded. Trusses
of 4 to 7 flowers, in colors of orange, orange-red,
salmon, apricot and clear yellow. Forms a tall bushy
shrub, with small deep green or bluish green
leaves. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Rhododendron austrinum 'Wise
Decision' Florida Azalea
Rhododendron farrerae
24-30", 5 gal $65.00
Exceedingly fragrant with abundant golden-yellow
blooms! Betty Cummins made this selection from
seedlings grown from R.austrinum seed donated to
the ARS seed exchange by Harry Wise of West
Virginia. Betty felt this exceptional plant deserved
naming and gave the honor to Mr. Wise. Definitely a
wise decision! Zones 6-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 3-4 ft
24-30", 5 gal $65.00
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
Grown from wild seed from the Rhododendron
Society, from Sizuoka Prefecture, Japan in 2003 or
2004 as R. sanctum var lasiogynum, most have
bloomed well before the leaves with lavender
flowers. R. sanctum blooms at least a month later in
pink shades. Regardless, sanctum is now renamed
amagianum. Easy and very distinctive. Zones
5-9. H: 6-8 ft · W: 4-6 ft
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
Rhododendron austrinum 'Yellow
Surprise'
Rhododendron luteum Pontic
Azalea
Lewis, Colts Neck NJ, USA. This clone was a
selection made by Dave Lewis and grown in his
famous New Jersey garden. He grew it on the edge
of a drop-off isolated from the other rhododendrons
that could not compete with it when in bloom. It is
fragrant on a compact upright plant, and its yellow
flowers really seem to glow in the sunlight. Zones
6-8. H: 5-7 ft · W: 3-5 ft
This species is the only deciduous azalea native to
Europe, where it is found in the Caucasus, in
Turkey, and as far north as Poland. Has very
fragrant cream to yellow flowers. Foliage is lightly
tinged with brown for an "antiqued" look. Tolerant of
poor dry soil and sun to part shade. Zones 5-7. H:
5-7 ft · W: 4-6 ft
15-18", 3 gal $50.00
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
Rhododendron calendulaceum
Flame Azalea
Rhododendron periclymenoides
Pinxterbloom Azalea
Not for the timid colorist! Spectacular vivid orange to
red to yellow flowers give this native its common
name of flame azalea. Many forms have orangy
blotches and pink overtones. Grows tall (up to 12')
and non-stoloniferous. Our plants are grown from
seed. Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft
This is the typical pink and white-flowered
"pinxterbloom" of Eastern woods. Hardy and easy
to grow, its flowering always signals that spring is
underway. Unlike most deciduous azaleas, this one
blooms well in shade. Forms a medium-sized
deciduous shrub that mixes well with kalmia, spring
bulbs and shade-loving perennials. Zones 5-8. H:
5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
6-10", 1 gal $25.00 | 15-18", 5 gal $60.00
pg. 16
pg. 11
DECIDUOUS AZALEAS
DECIDUOUS AZALEAS:
R. prinophyllum Marie Hoffman to R. viscosum var montanum
Rhododendron prinophyllum
(roseum) 'Marie Hoffman'
Rhododendron viscosum var
montanum Swamp Azalea
If you love the clove scent of R.prinophyllum but your
summers are too hot, try this robust yet still very cold
hardy hybrid. Large bright pink flowers are extremely
fragrant and grows in full sun to shade. Genetic
testing has shown this NOT to be a tetraploid as had
been suspected. Zones 4-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft
This distinctive form of the widespread R.viscosum
is undoubtedly the best for garden use. The growth
habit is low and compact, very different from the
normal tall lanky growth of the species. Native to
higher elevations in the Blue Ridge of NC, it has the
same late, fragrant white flowers, usually around
early to mid-July. Zones 4-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
15-18", 2 gal $50.00
15-18", 2 gal $45.00
Rhododendron prunifolium Plumleaf
Azalea
When other shrubs are merely green, this native of
southwestern GA and adjacent AL blooms in
stunning colors ranging from pinkish-orange to bright
red. It grows along wooded ravines and stream
banks, reaching up to 15' tall. Here in NJ it does best
in light shade. Zones 6-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 18-24", 3 gal $60.00
The Rhodora
Ralph Waldo Emerson
In May, when sea-winds pierced our solitudes,
I found the fresh Rhodora in the woods,
Rhododendron schlippenbachii
Royal Azalea
"Royal" is an appropriate name, considered to be
among the finest deciduous azaleas. In late April and
early May, flowers appear in shades of pink to white
as the distinctive whorls of five leaves expand.
Native to Korea and SE Asia, it enjoys a slightly
higher pH and more calcium than other rhodies.
Needs shade to thrive. Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5
ft
6-10", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 2 gal $50.00
Rhododendron vaseyi Pinkshell
Azalea
An exquistite native that's rare in the wild, as it's
found in only four counties in the western part of NC.
The distinctive flowers occur before the leaves and
resemble R.canadense in shape, with short tubes
and petal lobes deeply divided to the base. Usually
flowers are shades of rose-pink although white forms
exist. Zones 5-7. H: 5-8 ft · W: 4-5 ft
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
Rhododendron viscosum Swamp
Azalea
Late and fragrant white flowers, usually blooms from
early to mid-July. Habit is taller than wide. Native to
the eastern US, usually growing along the edges of
ponds, swamps and streams. Blooms in heavy
shade, but does much better in more sun. Grown
from seed collected in the NJ Pine Barrens at
Martha NJ. Limited availability. Zones 4-7. H: 5-6
ft · W: 3-4 ft
2-3', 3 gal $65.00
Spreading its leafless blooms in a damp nook,
To please the desert and the sluggish brook.
The purple petals fallen in the pool
Made the black water with their beauty gay;
Here might the red-bird come his plumes to cool,
And court the flower that cheapens his array.
Rhodora! if the sages ask thee why
This charm is wasted on the earth and sky,
Tell them, dear, that, if eyes were made for seeing,
Then beauty is its own excuse for Being;
Why thou wert there, O rival of the rose!
I never thought to ask; I never knew;
But in my simple ignorance suppose
The self-same power that brought me there, brought you.
From: Early Poems of Ralph Waldo Emerson. New York, Boston,
Thomas Y. Crowell & Company: 1899.
Rhododendron viscosum 'Betty
Cummins' Swamp Azalea
Dave Lewis found this pink form of R.viscosum
growing along a NJ road near an old toilet seat, so
he had a landmark when it was time for cuttings!
Nicknamed "Old Toilet Seat" until he decided to
register it, Betty Cummins received the recognition
for her work in propagating and introducing many
new varieties. Zones 5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 3-4 ft
24-30", 5 gal $65.00
Rhododendron viscosum 'Summer
Hill Blue Leaf' Swamp Azalea
Flower color is the typical fragrant late-blooming
white; the difference here is the very glaucous (bluegreen) foliage on an upright plant. Thanks to
Summer Hill Nsy. of Madison CT for providing this
notable selection of R.viscosum, which like most of
this species prefers moist sites and will tolerate a fair
amount of shade. Zones 5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Customer Quotes
“My shipment of Hamamelis that arrived yesterday are
outstanding, they are the best Hamamelis I’ve ever
seen offered for sale. The health and vigor of the
plants is phenomenal, flowers just cover the stems.
I’ve bought from many other mail order nurseries and
dollar for dollar your plants are the best value. You
have a new customer for life.”
—SR
15-18", 1 gal $35.00
pg. 12
pg. 17
EVERGREEN AZALEAS
EVERGREEN AZALEAS:
Al's Picotee to Irish Eyes
$$plantID:1341$$ %%catName:Evergreen Azaleas%%
Rhododendron 'Al's Picotee'
Rhododendron 'Canzonetta'
('Elsie Lee' X kiusianum). George Ring. A plant with
an international history that's become one of our
standards. Large double white flowers edged with
lavender-pink on a compact evergreen dome,
performing well both in Canada and the US. George
Ring of VA, USA sent seed to Canada where Al
Smith and Brian Schram grew and selected this and
sent us cuttings. Zones 5-8. H: 2-3 ft · W: 2-3 ft
['Signalglühen' X ('Rubinetta' x 'Vuyk's Scarlet')].
15-18", 1 gal. $30.00
Hachmann. NEW! Kimono Series™ Partially
double teacup-shaped rose-pink flowers are large
at 1.5 to 2" relative to the diminutive size of the
plant. Bloom season is later and longer than many,
from the end of May to mid June. Grows flat,
compact, with dense foliage, bronze-green in
winter. 10 yr old plant only 1' high, and 2.5' wide.
Zones 6-9.
6-10", 1 gal $20.00
Rhododendron 'August to Frost'
Rhododendron 'Chipmunk'
(R. mucronatum 'Sekidera' var. 'Indica Rosea').
(Vida Brown X Lemur). Peter Cox, Glendoick
Matlack/Beaudry. Repeat bloomers are the newest
trend in evergreen azaleas, but many are not hardy.
This is hardy here in Zone 6b, with large white
(sometimes sectored with lavender) flowers on a
spreading plant. The name is apt as it doesn't bloom
in the spring- unlike most azaleas, it blooms on new
growth in August and continues into the fall. Zones
6-8. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft
Gardens. One of Peter Cox's "Critter Series",
'Chipmunk' is small and perky like it's namesake.
Bright pink double (hose-in-hose) flowers in June.
Shiny dark green leaves on a low-growing and
compact plant. Zones 6-8. H: 1-2 ft · W: 2-3 ft
10-15", 1 gal $25.00
10-15", 1 gal $25.00
Rhododendron 'Ben Morrison'
Rhododendron 'Elsie Lee'
(['Vittata Fortunei' x 'Louise'] X 'Adzuma no hana')?.
Azalea lovers in colder areas should try 'Elsie Lee',
a durable old-timer that is very hardy for an
evergreen azalea. Blooms at the end of May, with
striking double lavender flowers on a rounded
upright plant. Try planting with 'Carol Kittel' for a
stunning combination! Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5
ft
Morrison hybrid, intro by Creech, 1972. A perennial
favorite with customers, this attention-getting bi-color
blooms in the early mid-season and features white
margined petals with bright splashes of orange pink
flames deepening to a darker pink flare in the center.
Growth habit is tall, fairly open and hard to miss!
Zones 6-8. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
18-24", 3 gal $50.00
15-18", 3 gal $45.00
Rhododendron 'Bixby'
Rhododendron 'Feenkissen'(Fairy
Pillow)
(yedoense var. poukhanense x 'Vuyk's Scarlet').
Weston Nurseries. Clusters of dark red buds open to
deep red flowers, on a low and spreading plant.
Foliage is very dark green, turning to mahogany red
as colder weather moves in. Bred in central
Massachusetts. Yes, that means exceptional cold
hardiness! Zones 5-7. H: 1-2 ft · W: 3-4 ft
15-18", 3 gal $45.00
('Melina' X 'Panda'). Hachmann. NEW! Kimono
Series™ Green-tinged buds open to pure white
flowers covering the leaves completely for several
weeks in late May to early June. The semi-double
flowers also have ruffled petals. Foliage is dark
green, shiny and remains attractive during winter.
Grows dense in a compact dome-shape. Zones
6-9. H: 8-12 in · W: 18-24 in
6-10", 1 gal $20.00
Rhododendron 'Brittney Leigh'
Rhododendron 'Gaiety'
Blue Sterling Nursery, Bridgeton NJ, USA. Found as
a witches' broom on the variegated azalea 'Brianne',
itself a sport of 'Girard's Rose'. This one is a good
grower and very attractive in the fall when leaves
turn several shades of red and pink. Flowers are
rose pink, as you might guess from the parentage.
Growth is compact, remaining low and mounding.
Zones 6-8. H: 2-3 ft · W: 2-3 ft
Morrison. A lesser-known but excellent Glenn Dale
hybrid azalea, 'Gaiety' has large 2-3" pink flowers
with a darker blotch in early midseason. The plant
habit is erect to broad spreading, reaching 5' tall
and wide. Voted one of the best Glenn Dale
cultivars, receiving 70 votes in a poll of 100
growers. Zones 6-9. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-4 ft
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
10-15", 1 gal $25.00 | 15-18", 3 gal $45.00
Rhododendron 'Cambridge'
Rhododendron 'Hilda Niblett'
Marshy Point Nursery. Huge double white flowers
with lettuce-green speckles on the upper lobes. An
upright growing plant with excellent deep green
foliage, from breeder Harry Weiskittel of Marshy
Point Nursery in MD. Limited quantity available.
Zones 6-9. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-6 ft
Gartrell, Wyckoff NJ, USA. A best seller! 'Hilda
Niblett's exceptional flowers are large (4") and
spectacular multi-colored blossoms that combine
light pink, almost white, and darker pink. Excellent
low and rounded plant habit with small bright green
foliage. A Gartrell hybrid from Wyckoff NJ. Plant
becomes an impressive large mound that's hard to
miss! Zones 6-8. H: 1-2 ft · W: 2-3 ft
18-24", 3 gal $45.00
18-24", 3 gal $45.00
Rhododendron 'Canobie Sunset'
Rhododendron 'Irish Eyes'
('Fedora' open pollinated). John & Sally Perkins. Big
long-lasting medium pink flowers with darker
freckles, raised from seed collected from 'Fedora', an
old hybrid evergreen azalea with purplish pink
flowers. 'Canobie Sunset' is sterile and as such stays
in bloom over 2-3 weeks. Plant has good fall color,
and blooms and grows well in shade. Hardy to -15 F.
Zones 5-8. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Harry Weiskittel. Another lovely evergreen azalea
introduction from Harry Weiskittel of Marshy Point
Nursery in MD. Lovely 3" white flowers are blessed
with a rich green blotch spreading from the center.
Glossy deep green foliage on a low-medium
grower. Blooms in midseason. Limited quantity
available. Zones 6-9. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft
18-24", 3 gal $45.00
pg. 18
15-18", 3 gal $45.00
pg. 13
EVERGREEN AZALEAS
EVERGREEN AZALEAS:
Koromo Shikibu to R. nakaharae Mt. Seven Star
Rhododendron 'Koromo Shikibu'
Rhododendron 'Tina's Whorled'
(Possible Kurume or R. macrosepalum hybrid).We
never seem to have enough 'Koromo Shikibu'. Its'
mid-season blooms always causes comments,
despite the floral competition in our display garden.
Long strap-like lavender flower petals spread out in a
spidery fashion giving this azalea a very unusual
appearance. This can get pretty large, so give it
room! Limited quantity. Zones 6-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 5-6
ft
('Koromo Shikibu' X an indicum hybrid). Clagett.
10-15", 1 gal $25.00 | 15-18", 3 gal $45.00
"Bowie Mill" hybrid. Visualize the strap-petaled
evergreen azalea 'Koromo Shikibu', but in a vivid
magenta instead of soft lavender, arranged in a
whorl. It blooms in mid-May and stops visitors in
their tracks, just as the other colors do. Looks like it
will grow twice as wide as it is tall. Zones 6-8. H:
2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft
6-10", 1 gal $20.00
Rhododendron 'Maischnee' (May
Snow)
Rhododendron 'Treasure'
('Elsie Lee' X 'Purpurkissen'). Hachmann. NEW!
Kimono Series™ Impressive large, crisp white
blossoms! Wide open flowers always face the gaze
of the beholder showing a light green flare on the
upper petal. Heavy bloom covers the branches to the
ends of the shoots. Occasionally produces some
petaloid flowers. Low growing and consistently
compact. Zones 6-9. H: 1-2 ft · W: 2-3 ft
('Fielder's White' x R. kaempferi). Glenn Dale. Truly
a treasure in the garden! Flowers are white with a
suggestion of pink on the edges of lobes and some
spots on the upper lobe. Two to three flowers per
truss with each being up to 4" wide. The habit is
broad and spreading. Growth is vigorous. Zones
6-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
18-24", 3 gal $45.00
6-10", 1 gal $20.00
Rhododendron 'Maraschino'
Rhododendron 'Vida Brown'
(sport of 'Maruschka'). Klaus Stöckmann, Germany.
NEW! Kimono Series™ Award winner with beautiful
glossy black-purple fall and winter foliage! This sport
of 'Maruschka' has the same cherry-red, semidouble flowers but up to 2X larger(2.25"), larger
leaves and a better habit. Parts of the stamens are
converted into petals. Blooms May to early June.
Grows wide and upright. Zones 6-9. H: 1-2 ft · W:
2-3 ft
(unknown). C. E.Brown, Ferndown, Dorset,
Rhododendron 'Opal'
Rhododendron 'Yae shojo'
A Reid, Linwood NJ, USA. Is this azalea
spectacular? No, but the 2.5" pink flowers and low
plant habit are very nice. Two qualities are specialit's the earliest double azalea to bloom AND it puts
on a dependable fall show up to the hard frosts- not
just a scattered off season bloom. Pruning?
Immediately after spring bloom or you won't get fall
bloom. Zones 6 - 8. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft
Kurume hybrid.NEW! One of our first azalea
acquisitions, but we've never listed it until now. AKA
'Yaeshaeo' here at RareFind, it's one of the earliest
evergreen azaleas to bloom, in a bright scarlet red.
The flower is a hose-in-hose "double" on an upright
growing plant. The Japanese name translates as
"two girls".(Yae = double, shojo = girl) Zones 6-9. H:
4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft
6-10", 1 gal $20.00
15-18", 3 gal $45.00
England. Low and compact mounds of dark green
leaves display late, ruffled, hose-in-hose flowers of
deep rose-pink. It's very slow-growing, and the
dwarf habit makes it a good option for bonsai or
that special location. Blooms early June. Choice,
hard to find and quantities are limited, so order
early! Zones 6-8. H: 1-2 ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $30.00
10-15", 1 gal $25.00
Rhododendron 'Renee Michelle'
Rhododendron indicum 'Flame
Creeper'
From Girard's Nursery in Ohio, this is an excellent
cold hardy glowing pink variety. Low growing and
wide spreading it makes a perfect foundation plant.
Good winter interest as well from the dense and
deep burgundy colored foliage. Zones 6-8. H: 2-3
ft · W: 4-5 ft
15-18", 3 gal $45.00
Low and spreading "gumpo-type" evergreen
azalea, with single reddish-orange flowers and very
small leaves. Blooms later in spring, usually late
May-June here in NJ. Likes shade to part sun and
moist but well-drained soil. Perfect for a rock
garden or container! Zones 7-9. H: 1-2 ft · W: 3-4
ft
10-15", 1 gal $25.00
Rhododendron 'Secret Wish'
Rhododendron kiusianum 'Komo
Kulshan'
Waldman- Roslyn Nursery. Flowers are the largest
double white azalea we've seen. Numerous petals
on each flower give the impression of a camellia.
Plant habit is full and rounded, reaching 5' tall and
wide. Large light green leaves complete the effect.
Zones 6-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft
18-24", 3 gal $45.00
Pink flowers have a picotee edge with a white
throat. Plant is low-growing and compact. A favorite
for bonsai, rock gardens and those who love dwarf
foreground plants. Listed as a species, but skeptics
think it's a hybrid. Zones 5-8. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft
10-15", 1 gal $25.00
Rhododendron 'Slapstick'
Rhododendron nakaharae 'Mt.
Seven Star'
(parentage unknown). Clark/Anderson. This
deserves wider recognition (despite its uncertain
heritage). A very handsome and imposing plant, it
bears large (3" to 3.5") light pink flowers with dark
pink stripes radiating from the center. This probably
also deserves a more dignified name, but 'Slapstick'
it is! Zones 6-8. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft
18-24", 3 gal $45.00
(seed from Mt Seven Star, Taiwan). CS Kuo/Polly
Hill. A very low-growing azalea with tiny rounded
leaves. The flowers are a hard-to-miss brick red
and bloom in late June for us. Use as a
groundcover with the added benefit of vivid flowers
at the end of the blooming season. Also perfect in
rock gardens and containers! Zones 6-7. H: 3-6
in · W: 2-3 ft
6-10", 1 gal $25.00
pg. 14
pg. 19

HIT PaRaDe of RHoDoDenDRons

Transcription

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