Rhododendrons

I am gradually trying to become a sensible and successful grower of rhododendrons. I have quite a number now, in various stages of growth, hopefully planted in appropriate places (this hasn't always been the case).

Rhododendron & Flax

Two of the first bargain bin rhododendrons I bought are side by side, growing rather well, and taking up rather a lot of space in Middle Border. They both have the same large, dark, bright pink flowers in mid spring. There are other pink and purple toned plants (my attempt to be colour co-ordinated) in this part of the garden, planted underneath deciduous trees. It's sheltered and semi-shaded, and I'm optimistic that I've got it right in this planting scheme.

To the side of Middle Garden I think I have three Whitney's Apricot Rhododendrons - all rescued from a bargain table (priced at two dollars each). These have the most beautiful coloured flowers in shades of apricot, lemon and cream.

There is a newer Rhododendron garden where an assortment of possible yellows have been installed. These plants were seriously misplaced for years, and this is their final resting place - hopefully where they will soon come to life. I haven't even seen their flower colours - go on, surprise me!

Very few of the rhododendrons in my garden were ever properly labelled, so I have trouble naming them. As a result I've been rather shy of including them in the Moosey garden site. My local nurserywoman breeds her own plants, and often sells her unknown/un-named seedlings at ridiculously small costs.

Thus a whole new section about rhododendrons has its humble and rather vague beginnings...

New Yellow Rhododendron...
Thu 8th Mar 2007

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!

Rhododendron Saffron Queen...
Sat 21st Oct 2006

My rhododendron Saffron Queen has led a bit of a fairytale life. First she was dumped in a bargain bin, whence along came a knight - could that possibly be changed to knightess? - in gardening armour and she was rescued. Phew!

Rhododendron Graham...
Wed 20th Sep 2006

Graham - you are a rhododendron. You are short, pink, and fat (makes you sound more like a piglet). You are one of the newest rhododendrons in my garden, and already (early in spring) you’ve flowered beautifully for me.

Rhododendron Blue Jay...
Sat 20th Nov 2004

A day to remember in the Moosey Garden Calendar - I’ve finally found and photographed a bargain bin rhododendron which has been in my garden for at least four years and which has a proper label! It’s called Blue Jay.

Deciduous Azalea...
Wed 17th Nov 2004

I have two deciduous Azaleas in the Moosey Garden, both of which flower late in spring. They are modest in size, and almost hidden in the mixed plantings around them. I suspect both are Ilam hybrids - azaleas bred in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Bright Pink Rhododendron...
Tue 26th Oct 2004

This is a bright pink rhododendron which grows in the side garden of the Pond Paddock. It flowers reasonably late in spring - at the same time as the Japanese Flowering Cherries in the nearby lawn.

Pink Rhododendron...
Tue 26th Oct 2004

When my beautiful large pink rhododendrons in Middle Garden start flowering the huge blooms seem to last forever. How large will these two shrubs get? Oops - I wish they had come with a label...

President Roosevelt...
Sat 9th Oct 2004

I'm sure that this striking rhododendron is the popular hybrid 'President Roosevelt'. It was in the garden when we first arrived, and used to have variegated foliage. I've only just noticed that most of the shrub has reverted to plain green...

Rhododendron Kaponga...
Sun 3rd Oct 2004

One of the most well known and widely grown modern New Zealand red rhododendrons is called Kaponga. I suspect my biggish red shrub which grows near the glass-house is one of these. Naturally I have lost its plant label...

Large Pink Azalea...
Sat 11th Sep 2004

I hope I'm correct to include this shrub in with the rhododendrons - I've always called it an Azalea. This is the first spring I've had time to enjoy its impressive flower display.

Pale Rhododendron...
Fri 25th Jun 2004

This rhododendron started life in Middle garden with no relief from the fierce mid-summer sun. Unhappily it sulked a lot and refused to flower after its first year. But in 2004 changes were afoot...

New Rhododendron...
Sat 22nd May 2004

Here is one of my new rhododendrons, pictured before I planted it - in the WRONG place. This is the only time I've seen it flower - after several relocations, here's hoping I've finally found it a suitable spot.

Whitney's Apricot...
Sat 15th May 2004

I am trying to write confidently that this beautiful rhododendron is a Whitney's Apricot. That's what the label said - but with its bargain bin origins, can I be sure?

Bright Red Rhododendron...
Sat 8th May 2004

This is one of my bargain bin specials, glowing in the weak late-spring sunshine. It's planted over the water race in the back of the Dog-Path Garden.