Rhododendrons comprise a huge group of evergreen and deciduous shrubs belonging to the Heath family (Ericaceae) and are valued for their foliage and beautiul blooms. Variable in habit, they are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, from prostrate shrubs to small trees and in an astounding array of colors.  Native varieties can be found in the southern and Pacific northwest US, Europe and Asia.  Azaleas are considered a type of rhododendron, but we have given them their own page of the catalog.

Rhododendrons prefer partial or dappled shade in an area that is sheltered from harsh winter winds and a rich soil high in humus.  Preferable pH is 5.5. Rhododendrons have very shallow root systems, so take care when cultivating around them not to damage the roots.  It is a good idea to either pull weeds, or heavily mulch the base of the plant to prevent weed growth.  The roots are rather slow growing, so new plants will survive for the first season mainly from the original root system.  Make certain that this does not dry out during the first year by watering with a drip hose once a week, perhaps more often if you are experiencing a dry summer.  If the summer is very dry, you may see some foliage droop.  If this happens during the early morning hours, before the heat of the day, you should give them additional water.  Your rhododendrons will appreciate a misting in temperatures above 95F or on particularly dry windy days.

DWARF VARIETIES

Golden Jubilee - Yellow blooms on a low growing shrub; Hardy to -20F (-28.8C); height: 2ft.

#P3139    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

Minnetonka  - Mid season blooming;  Lavender-blue flowers on a low growing shrub;  Hardy to 25F (-31.6C);  height:3ft.

#P3143    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

  Ramapo -  Lavender blooms appear mid season.  Low growing.  Hardy to -25 (-31.6C);  Height:2ft

#P3140    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

  Small Wonder -  Early blooming with bright red blooms.  Low growing - makes a good low border or hedge.  Hardy to -15F (-26.1C); Height: 2ft.

#P3133    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

MEDIUM VARIETIES

Cunningham White - Pink buds open to reveal snow white blooms with pale yellow centers.  Flowers early.   Dark green leaves.  Compact growing srub with a rounded habit.  Excellent for borders.  Grows very well in slightly alkaline soil   Hardy to -20F (-28.8C); height: 4ft.

#3128   Packet  $12.00,  Approximately 200 seeds
#P3128    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

Dolly Madison - Large white blooms appear early in the season.  Hardy to -20F (-28.8C);  height: 5ft.

#P3137    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

  Goldsworth - Peachy-orange blooms with yellow throats appear late in the season.  Hardy to -5F (-20.5C); height: 5ft.

#P3140    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

  Merley Cream - Mid-season bloomer with soft creamy yellow blooms.  Hardy to -20F (-28.8C);  height: 5ft.

#P3142    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

Nova Zembla - Red blooms appear in mid season.  Hardy to -25F (-31.6C);  height: 5ft.

#P3132    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

  President Lincoln - Pink blooms tinged with purple on a mid season blooming shrub.  Hardy to -25F (-31.6C);  height: 6ft.

#P3146    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

Olga Mezitt - Clear pink blooms appear early. Leaves are dark green, turning dark mahogany in winter. Spreading type makes a medium sized shrub.  Good foundation, border plant.  Hardy to -30F (-34.4C); height: 5ft.

#P3129    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

PJM - One of the hardiest rhododendrons available, this pretty compact growing shrub has lavender-pink blooms early in the season.  Small glossy leaves turn mahogany in winter.  Does well in sun, shade and in drought conditions.  Hardy to -30F (-34.4C); height: 5ft.

#P3130    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

  Wyandanch -  Mid season blooming shrub with pink blooms.  Hardy to -15F (-26.1C);  Height: 6ft.

#P3149    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

TALL VARIETIES  (heights given for 10yr. growth)
English Roseum - Medium season bloomer with pink flowers.  Hardy to -25F (-31.6C);  height: 6ft.

#P3138    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

Parson's Gloriosum - Lavender blooms appear mid season.  Hardy to -20F (-28.8C);  height: 6ft.

#P3144    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

Roseum Elegans - Pink blooms appear mid season.  Hardy to -25F (-31.6C);  height: 6ft.

#P3148    Plant  2in pot   $15.00

RHODODENDRONS FROM SEED (Listed by Botanical name)
These seeds are offered for those who wish to experiment.  You may experience some variation from the descriptions.

  R. ambuguum - Early blooming type with creamy yellow blooms.  Height: 5ft.;  Hardy to -5F (-20.5C)

#3929  Packet, $7.00 each,  Approximately 200 seeds

  R. arboreum (Tree Rhododendron) Very early blooming - Bright red blooms.  This native of the Himalayas can reach a height of 45ft., though this may take about 30 years to achieve (about 6ft. in 10 years);  Hardy to 10F (-17.7C)

#3832  Packet, $5.00 each,  Approximately 200 seeds

R. catawbiense  -  Rosy pink blooms appear in mid season.  Hardy to -20F (-28/8C);  height: 6ft.

#3836  Packet, $15.00 each,  Approximately 200 seeds

R. conccinum - Mid season blooming;  Purple blooms; Height: 5ft.;  Hardy to -5F (-20.5C)

#3848  Packet, $2.50 each,  Approximately 200 seeds

  R. dauricum - Very early blooming;  Small purple blooms and small leaves;  Hardy to -25F (-31.6C)

#3849  Packet, $10.00 each,  Approximately 200 seeds

   R. haemotodes - Early blooming low growing variety with trumpet shaped red blooms;  Height: 3ft.; Hardy to -5F (-20.5C)

#3928  Packet, $7.00 each,  Approximately 200 seeds

   R. macrophyllum or R. californicum - Pacific Rhododendron - Western US native. Buds are a deep carmine red and open to rosy purple or pink flowers spotted with yellow or brownish markings.  Height: 10ft.

#963  Packet, $10.00 each,  Approximately 200 seeds

  R. micranthum - Mid season blooming variety with star shaped white blooms.  Height: 4ft.;  Hardy to -15F (-26.1C)

#3860  Packet, $12.00 each,  Approximately 200 seeds

  R. yakusimanum - Mid season blooming;  Pink blooms; Hardy to -15F (-26.1C)

#3864  Packet, $20.50 each,  Approximately 200 seeds

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