New Yellow Rhododendron

Ha! Here is my newest rhododendron, which I purchased and planted in spring 2004, and which still has its name label on! It's called Chrysomanicum- what an odd name!

Yellow Rhododendron - Chrysomanicum

The label promises me a small compact shrub, with buttercup yellow flowers. I've planted it in the Pond-side garden, a little too close to the Yellow Wave flax, but never mind - the colour combination of these two with the wine red euphorbias is inspired.

I hope that this rhododendron will be happy in this garden area - I decided that the border needed some spring shrub colour and substance. I wonder where the name Chrysomanicum comes from, though - let me know if you know!

Footnote - March 2007

Maurice Wilkins has kindly sent me this explanation:
The name refers to the hybrid origin of this plant, a cross between Rhododendron (chryso)doron and Rh. bur(manicum), both considered a little on the tender side in Britain, though quite hardy on the west coast of Scotland. You can visit him at Arduaine Gardens in Scotland. Thanks so much, Maurice.