Anytime I write about rhododendrons, I know I am taking a chance on losing my readers.
Most of us can remember these monster shrubs that covered the living room windows of our homes when we were growing up. And we might even remember our dads or moms complaining about having to remove all the sticky blossoms after they had finished flowering.
Fortunately, times have changed. Many of the new varieties of rhodies are compact growers reaching only 3-5 feet tall with attractive foliage. One such species are called lepidotes and originate from a Connecticut nursery called Weston’s Nursery.
“Lepidote” is actually an adjective and refers to something that has a surface with small scales. Typically, the scales are so small that for the most part we never even know they are there.
These lepidote hybrids have several desirable traits. They tend to be very disease and insect resistant, are sun tolerant and have a compact growth habit.
Their foliage turns a delicious mahogany red in the winter and has a marvelous aromatic pungency about it. Also, most of these hybrids are early bloomers in the pink and light purple shades. When this is contrasted with the mahogany winter foliage, it is quite stunning.
It’s not a stretch to say that many of these varieties are harbingers of spring. Normally most of these varieties would be bloomed out by now, but thanks to our cool spring you can still find some in color.
One of the more common varieties of lepidote rhodies is the variety called “PJM.” Named after Peter John Mezitt, the rhodedendron is a bullet-proof plant that grows 3-4 feet tall with smallish 2-inch leaves and bright lavender-pink flowers in early March.
From this one hybrid has come several similar cultivars known as “PJM-Elite,” “PJM-Regal,” “PJM-Compact Form,” “Checkmate” and “Weston’s Aglo” (that’s “Olga” spelled backward). All are good garden plants that won’t cover up the living room window — and they don’t even have to be dead headed.
Two old standards that have been around forever and are probably confused with azaleas most of the time but are in fact lepidote varieties are “Blue Diamond” (bright blue flowers) and “Cream Crest” (creamy yellow blooms). Another variety called “Hardijzer’s Beauty” is deciduous, but is smothered with bright pink flowers in late winter before the new leaves emerge. I actually haven’t seen it in the nursery for several years now but it is worth seeking out.
In addition to the lepidotes, there are tons of other rhodie hybrids that will stay compact in our gardens. As we approach the end of April, more and more varieties are coming into bloom.
If you have rhodies growing in your garden and would like know what varieties they are, then this Saturday is your big chance. The Pilchuck chapter of the American Rhododendron Society will be at the nursery with a display of rhodie blooms and several eager “rhodoholics” that would love to share their enthusiasm for this group of garden shrubs.
Bring in your blooms and try to stump them. If you have concerns with how your rhodies are looking after this last winter, then bring in some leaf samples as well.
Steve Smith is owner of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and you can send your gardening questions to him at info@sunnysidenursery.net.
Rhodedendrons and yoga
Sunnyside Nursery is hosting the Rhododendron Society Truss Show in partnership with the Pilchuck chapter of the American Rhododendron Society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 22 at the garden center, 3915 Sunnyside Blvd., Marysville.
There are two free classes at Sunnyside this week: A Rhododendrons &Azaleas class at 10 a.m. April 22 is followed by a Yoga For Gardeners class at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 23.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
