Rhododendron

[charlotte]

Hope this photo will be ok.  It is one of my favourite - 'Chikor'

Charlotte

[Paul T]

Charlotte,

Nice plant!  Lovely colour for a Rhodo.  I grow a few here but am limited by space more than anything.  I do have a couple of smaller varieties, plus a few other larger ones where I can fit them.  I of course have Rhododendron 'Tyermanii' as it is a namesake, although I have never found out who that particular Tyerman was who named it.  That and the silver hares-foot fern (Davallia tyermannii) are the only two Tyermans I can find.    The R. tyermanii has large ruffled flowers, loosely clustered on the head.  It also has the most wonderful bark that peals to expose soft, almost suede-like underneath.  I grow it as much for the bark as the flowers.  Aren't Rhododendrons great!! 

[charlotte]

Paul,
Thank you for your compliments on Rh. 'Chikor'  I am impressed - a Rhododendron - any plant for that matter - carrying your name. (Even if it is not your own family!)  And the description is such that I would like to receive seeds of it, if possible.  I agree with you regarding all attributes of a plant.  I have many rhodods which have not flowered but I enjoy the leaves, especially the annual growth.  They are all different.

The subject plant was removed from a raised bed as it was getting too large.  It seems to have settled down in its new location & is covered with buds for next Spring.  I will give a bit of protection for its first winter; my garden is subject to cold, dry winds which can cause more damage than frost.

It won't be long now (I am always the optimist!)!

Charlotte

[Cgull49]

Rather than starting a new thread I thought I would just add to this one.

I saw this Rhodo at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh this summer and was impressed with the new leaves.  Would anyone know what type of Rhodo this is and how hardy it might be?

[Cgull49]

I'll try that again.  Still does anyone know what type of Rhodo this is and how hardy it might be?

[Maggi Young]

Hi, Rob. This looks like a good specimen of Rhododendron pachysanthum, one of my favourites for its great new shoots and leaves. The flowers are white with good spots and blots of raspberry , opening mid-march. It is very hardy, has been down to -19 for a couple of weeks or more here a few years ago.
It is from Taiwan and, with R. bureavii, has some of the finest foliage you'll see !!

[ian mcenery]

Rob I would agree with Maggi, I have it and it is tough as old boots. It is a bit diffucult to get hold of good forms though but well worth the effort just for the foliage alone. This is an unbelievable colour with indumentum top and botton with the wonderful colours persisting for a large part of the summer

[Susan]

Our R pachysanthum is looking wonderful this year.  Against all advice I moved it into full sun and it seems to be thriving, but our winter temperature only went down to a mere -6deg C

Another with lovely foliage is Rhododendron roxieanum.

Earlier we had the brilliant spring foliage of Rhododendron williamsianum, and the flower and a little foliage of Rhododendron yakushimanum.

Susan.

[Paul T]

Wow!!  Some lovely new foliage there.  I love R. 'Kallista' for it's massive flowers (white, bell shaped rather than trumpet shaped) and pink furry new shoots.  Mine hasn't flowered for me as yet, but I am hopeful for next year if it survives this summer and the watering restrictions!!

[Olga Bondareva]

Autumn foliage of Rh. ledebourii.

[johngennard]

If one is considering rhododendron foliage,you have to put R campanulatum aeruginosum at the top of the list and  n or do you have to lift up the leaves to admire it This one is about 12yrs.old and has never flowered but who needs flowers ?Apparently the flowers are disappointing anyway.The hosta is fortunei aurea.

[johngennard]

Here's another one that is well worth its' place in the Winter garden.Rhododendron SICHOTENSE.
This one is only half open but I thought I would take a pic.in case it is spoilt by a damaging frost which we have so far avoided.