More often than not, when I suggest incorporating a few rhododentrons into a client’s landscape, they tell me they’re too boring, too big and that they don’t have year-round interest.
Here’s a sample of what they say: “We don’t want anything boring like rhododendrons.” “They get way too big and only have flowers in May.” “We’d like something with color at different times of the year. “We’re looking for something with colorful foliage and textural interest.”
Despite the prevalence of rhododendrons in the home landscapes that fit the description in the paragraph above, there is so much more to the species than that. With more than 1,000 varieties to choose from, it is possible to select rhodies that can give a staggered season of bloom and offer colorful foliage and seasonal color changes.
With a little planning, you won’t have to get out the pruners and chop away at that big green bush that’s obscuring the living room window. That’s because they come in a range of sizes, from as small as a few inches tall to tree-sized heights. While trekking in Nepal, I was amazed to be walking under a canopy of tree-like rhododendrons along some of the trails.
In the home garden, the Rhododenron sinogrande has perhaps one of the largest leaves found on a rhododendron. The sheer size of the leaf is definitely an eye catcher. R. sinogrande will need a grand-sized place in the landscape, as it reaches over 25 feet tall. Plant it sun to part shade to avoid sun scald of those big leaves in an area with good drainage.
One the other end of the scale is Rhododendron impeditum. This diminutive species tops out at a height of about 12 inches, developing into a dense mound. The tiny leaves are grayish green with a slight blue cast that offers foliage interest. R. impeditum blooms in early April with intense blue-purple flowers.
A number of other dwarf rhododendrons also can be planted in small yards without leading to the need for pruning atrocities. “Ramapo” has similar flower color and timing as impeditum, growing just a bit taller to about 2 feet tall. Other dwarf varieties such as “Ginnie Gee” (pink flowers) “Patty Bee” (yellow flowers) and “Everred” (red flowers) offer many possibilities for color and well-mannered growth habit.
Let’s talk beyond green foliage. Add some blue gray or silvery foliage color to your garden. R. impeditum offers foliage color of bluish-gray green. For an unusual silver color, try “Silver Skies.” The foliage of “Silver Skies” has silver hairs called indumentum on the leaves. Dark buds open to magenta-edged flowers with a yellow throat. The species Rhodendron yakushimanum has several varieties, all featuring silvery or coppery fuzzy hairs along the undersides of leaves that add year-round interest to the garden.
Add some color pops to that bank of dark green leafed plants with, yes, rhododendrons.
Several varieties have foliage that takes on burgundy, maroon or reddish tones in late fall and winter. A sure bet for winter foliage color is one of the several named varieties of “P.J.M.” The burgundy leaves add interest to the winter garden. “P.J.M.” is also an early season bloomer, it’s vibrant purple-pink flowers hinting that spring is on the way.
The leaves of the dwarf “Ramapo” takes on a smattering of burgundy hues in fall and winter. Bring in more burgundy-mahogany foliage color with Rhododenron myrtlefolium, “Everred” and “Checkmate.” The stems of Rhododendron “Bob’s Blue” are a gleaming burgundy/copper color. “Bob’s Blue” has small deep green leaves and is covered with a profusion of blue flowers mid-spring. It will tolerate full sun and reaches 3 feet tall in 10 years. The deep red winter buds of “Taurus” open in April to show bell-shaped red flowers with maroon flecks.
Who says rhododendrons only bloom in May? The well-planned garden can have rhodies blooming from February through June. Rhododendron “Christmas Cheer” adds a cheerful note to the garden with late February blossoms. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with yellow-lime flowers of “Shamrock.” Continue through early April with R. impeditum, “Ginny Gee” and “Patty Bee.”
Enjoy the spectacular orange red buds of “Nancy Evans” that eventually open to amber yellow flowers with splashes of orange. Continue the show all through the month of May into early June. The latest in the rhododendron show in my yard is “Purple Splendor,” with its dark purple flowers with black blotches. A plus for this variety is that it tolerates full sun. The large trusses of 12 to 15 vibrant purple blue flowers of Rhododenron “Blutopia” offer a fantastic end to the the season of blooms in the garden.
When selecting new rhodies to add to your garden, research the light requirements of each variety. Most prefer part sun or part shade, but a few varieties tolerate full sun.
Visit your local nursery this spring and try out a rhododendron to add year-round color and interest.
Pam Roy of Planscapes is an award-winning landscape designer with over 35 years of experience. Call 425-238-4678 or email info@planscapesdesign.com for more information. Or visit www.planscapesdesign.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
Gallery
