Of all the brilliantly colored flowers in nature’s vast repertoire, I have a special affinity for those of the yellow persuasion. Now by yellow I mean the deep solid yellow found in many species of Narcissus (daffodils), for example, or the pure yellow of a buttercup. This fondness, in combination with an unreasonable lust for […]
One of the classic species in the genus Rhododendron must surely be R. strigillosum. The large deep red flowers in early spring set against the characteristic whorl of dark green leaves with distinctly bristly petioles make this species a must for every collection. Known in its native China as mang ci dujuan (“prickly rhododendron”), this […]
Subsection Maddenia is a large and widespread group of approximately forty lepidote (scale-bearing) species. Members of this diverse group are found terrestrially or as epiphytes from the eastern Himalaya (Nepal) in the west to southeastern China and adjacent regions of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand in the east. With a few notable exceptions, species in this […]
For sheer majesty in the genus Rhododendron, one would be hard-pressed to surpass the big-leafed Himalayan tree R. falconeri. The huge bold leathery leaves up to 14 inches in length are more than matched by the large, rounded inflorescence of white to pale yellow flowers. The stout growth habit and overall massive scale of this […]
Species rhododendrons are grown for their attractive or fragrant flowers, their interesting and even beautiful foliage, or their smooth and glossy peeling bark. Rhododendron edgeworthii is one of the exceptional species in which all of these desirable characteristics come together. This species is the best known and most often grown member of subsection Edgeworthia, a […]
April 13, 2012. With over 10,000 rhododendrons from all over the world, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is an exotic adventure waiting to happen. And it’s just a short drive down I-5. [Read the entire article ] by Jackie Hiltz
Download Himalayan Blue Poppy Care Sheet The enchanting Blue Poppy (Meconopsis) creates a spectacular show in the late spring and early summer. Such a rich true blue flower is a rare garden treasure. Blue Poppies have a reputation of being difficult to grow, but these plants can be grown successfully if you follow a few […]
The years 1848-1850 will always stand out in the history of rhododendron cultivation as the beginning of the great era of Sino-Himalayan rhododendron discovery and introduction. Over that short period of time, Joseph D. Hooker, in his thorough exploration of Sikkim and the immediate surrounding areas, managed to introduce into cultivation nearly every rhododendron native […]
Of the many outstanding introductions of Rhododendron species made by Joseph Dalton Hooker during his famous expedition to Sikkim and surrounding regions in 1848-1949, Rhododendron ciliatum is perhaps one of the least widely grown “hardy” species in the modern garden. This is unfortunate given that the semi-dwarf habit, attractive foliage, and large funnel-shaped flowers provide […]
Planting: For a rhododendron that is growing in a container, first remove it and check to see if the rootball is dry. If it is, soak in water until thoroughly moist. Plants that are root or pot-bound should be scored. This means to scratch the outer surface of the roots with your fingers or a […]
Pruning: Pruning should not be necessary if a rhododendron is planted in the proper location. For rhododendrons that require pruning, consult a professional for advice on the best method.
Rhododendron barbatum is another of the numerous fine species collected and introduced to western gardens by Joseph Hooker during his historical two-year expedition (1848-1850) into the Sikkim Himalaya. Although this species was first scientifically recorded by Wallich in 1829 and introduced on a small scale possibly around that time, J. D. Hooker is rightfully given […]
Greer’s Guidebook to Available Rhododendrons, Harold E. Greer, 1988. This revised edition features more than 2,000 rhododendrons, hybrids, and species are detailed including plant parentage, hardiness, and size. Advice on planting, care, disease, pests, and propagation is also covered. Marvelous new color photographs of 450 rhododendrons. Great for beginners!
$87.50 Special 50th Anniversary Sale: $75.00 USD Offer expires Dec. 31, 2014 The Encyclopedia of Rhododendron Species, Second Edition Peter and Kenneth Cox. 1997 This valuable collector’s resource, by world-renowned Rhododendron experts and plant explorers Peter and Kenneth Cox, is an ultimate reference guide to species rhododendrons. It brings together all the temperate species (excluding […]
R. goodenoughii is blooming in the Rutherford Conservatory. It was named after Goodenough Island in Papua New Guinea where this plant comes from.
