Flower ResourcesDiscover the right flowers for your garden.
RHODODENDRON ORBICULARE : Thrives in the cool summer and soft winters at the RSBG . Native to the remote misty flock of the Wolong Giant Panda Reserve in Sichuan , China , where it flourishes deep in the forests alongside bamboos . Photo by : Andrew Drake .
For diversity of size of it , form , leafage and flower color , it is hard to opine any other radical of plants matching rhododendrons and azaleas . We all cognize about the spectacular garden cross with their blinding colors and huge bloom top dog . But there is another noteworthy group get laid as species rhododendron , wild flora found growing naturally in the forests and mountains of the world , many of which make outstanding garden plants . One of the expert places to see them is the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way , Washington , which contains one of the large collections of rhododendron worldwide .
AppealThousands of pas seul with a virtually unlimited palette of flowered color blooming from previous winter into late summertime . Some type are fragrant . The foliage of many species is extremely unusual and attractive , providing yr - circle involvement .
ZonesEasy to farm in coolheaded - summertime / mild - winter regions , Zones 5 to 9 . Outside of these regions , it is still possible to grow many kinds if care is take up to select the appropriate cultivar or species . The RSBG is consider Zone 8 .
ExposureIn general , rhododendrons require a bright but not - too - hot picture with low soil temperature . Exceptions are the tiny - leaved alpine and dwarf species , which are respectable in bright Sunday .
RHODODENDRON DAVIDSONIANUMANDR . AUGUSTINII : Two of the fine and easiest species to develop in their colour classes , the deep pink of the former contrasts brightly with the lavender blue of the latter . Photo by : Andrew Drake .
SoilExcellent drain in an constituent timber soil or in a flaxen grime that has been improve with bark or other organic topic . In sound and clay soils , works in raise bed .
CareWater through dry periods . Regular mulching with organic material intend extra plant food is usually unnecessary . If the plants seem unhealthful , it is usually because of poor drain .
DESIGNING WITH RHODIES
take on to discover a collection of angry rhodies that make outstanding garden plant :
Photo by : Andrew Drake .
RHODODENDRON WILLIAMSIANUM
Easy in sun or shade , this species is slow - growing enough to domesticate as a specimen in a large container .
RHODODENDRON AUGUSTINII
big - growing species with lavender - blue flowers , desirable for sun or tad . It can be selectively cut back to trim back its size of it . Selected forms have flowers closer to true blue than almost any other rhododendron . Hardy to 0 degrees .
RHODODENDRON CALENDULACEUM
Famous flaming azalea aboriginal to the forests of the Appalachian Mountains . bright discolour blossoms occur naturally in blaze spectre of red-faced , orangish and lily-livered . baffling , unfearing , deciduous species well - adapt to garden , performing attractively in Lord’s Day or light tincture . Hardy in zone 5 to 8 .
RHODODENDRON DEGRONIANUMSSP.YAKUSHIMANUM
A utter garden plant and in all likelihood the most democratic and widely grown species in the world . Native to Japan with a gnome mounding use to 3 foot , leaf that is densely haired or “ indumented ” on the leafage undersides and perfect apple - bloom - pinkish blossom evanesce to pure white . Used extensively in crossbreed programme . Relatively cold and heat resistant . Hardy to -15 degrees .
RHODODENDRON KEISKEI
Extremely variable , native to Japan , and , like many plant from that region , it is well - suited to refinement in East Coast gardens . The pale yellow peak of the larger grow variety beam in the woodland garden , while a petite selection known as ‘ Yaku Fairy ’ , from the mountainous island of Yaku Shima , is the perfect gnome for a rock’n’roll or trough garden .
RHODODENDRON DAVIDSONIANUM
Vigorous and bushy , native to Sichuan , China , highly floriferous . Does not require the remotion of spent - efflorescence trusses - know as deadheading . Lovely flowers range in colour from pale pink to lavender or mauve , often with dark red spot . Hardy to about 0 degrees .
RHODODENDRON ORBICULARE
Always attracts attention with its smooth circular leaves and move up - to - pinkish bell - mould flowers . estimable in light nicety to hold the mounding substance abuse and avoid foliage scorch . Hardy to -5 degree in maritime mood .
RHODODENDRON RUPICOLA
One of the good of the dwarf or “ alpine ” rhododendrons for the rock garden . well grown in a sunny location with excellent drainage , this metal money form a dull mound to 3 foot with striking blue - purple to reddish - purple flowers . aboriginal to southwest China . Hardy to -15 degree .
RHODODENDRON DEGRONIANUM
Variable species native over a wide surface area of Japan , with dissimilar forms occurring on well-nigh every hatful kitchen stove in the southerly one-half of the island chain . gloomy surface of the leaves is coated with a dense furry level of hairs know as the indumentum , adding welcome color and interest in the nonblooming time of year . Pink to rise or rarely white peak seem in recent fountain , and the works are quite adaptable in most clime , even stomach the heat and dusty of the East Coast and upper Midwest if provided with proper shade and care . Hardy to -15 stage .
RHODODENDRON LUTEUM
Deciduous azalea , outstanding as an ornamental for a sunny border or timberland edge . Bright yellow flowers are delightfully fragrant , and fall foliage play a smart red splash of coloring material . A dead ringer choose at the RSBG known as ‘ Golden Comet ’ is an especially hunky-dory form with a much larger anthesis of abstruse yellow flowers and good resistance to the vulgar , disfiguring but relatively harmless powdery mildew that so often smite azaleas . Hardy to -10 grade .
Photos were taken at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden , south of Seattle , Washington . For further information on rhododendron and the garden , call 253 - 838 - 4646 or seewww.rhodygarden.org .
Related : Viraya Rhodedendrons
