December through February
Even on misty or snowy days in winter, the garden is an accessible woodland retreat that features early blooming rhododendrons and companion plants, such as Hellebores and Winter Hazels. Winter is also a fantastic time to visit our Rutherford Conservatory, which is home to tropical rhododendrons known as vireyas that are native to Southeastern Asia, many of which bloom in January and February.
Rhododendrons are known for their beautiful and diverse foliage, which is often overlooked during spring and summer. Notable foliage features include colorful indumentum (furry undersides of leaves) ranging from paper white to rich copper, leaves as large as 18” in length, round leaves like those of Rhododendron orbiculare, and much more.
Popular winter plants include:
- Rhododendron mucronulatum, Korean Azalea (February/March)
- Hamamelis mollis, Chinese Witch Hazel (January)
- Rhododendron ririei, (January/February)
- Rhododendron lanigerum, (January/February)
- Camellia species and hybrids, (January-April)
- Rhododendron dauricum, (January/February)
- Winter Heathers, (All winter)
- Hellebores, (All winter)