Rhododendron 2015

[Hoy]

I had johnstoneanum once but it was killed in a very cold winter. Maybe I should try it once more?

Here are two also from Glendoick but I couldn't find the names.
The last ones needs perfect drainage so it is growing in the thick moss layer on a rock.

[johnw]

Trond  - The last one - the pink - could it be 'Plover'?  Grown to perfection whatever it is, the foliage is smashing.

john

[Maggi Young]

I too think the little pink could be 'Plover' and the dark red looks to have dark foliage, so I'd guess either 'Elizabeth Lockhart' or perhaps, if obtained fairly recently, one of the newer Glendoick  dark foliaged hybrids.

 edit : could not remember what those hybrids are called - it's Rhododendron 'EVERRED' - but I think I'll stick with n.'Elizabeth Lockhart'

[Hoy]

Thanks Maggi and John. Plover is very possible. I remember I was thinking of trying dendrocharis but it is quite possible I chose a hybrid.

I am not sure of Elizabeth L, both the truss and the foliage are different. Have a look:

[Maggi Young]

Leaves are wrong for R.  dendrocharis, Trond. It has tiny leaves with rounded ends.

I see what  you mean about the red - not E.L then .   

[Maggi Young]

Calyx is small on the read -  good indumentum -  R.  haematodes ?

[johnralphcarpenter]

That sound likely.

[Hoy]

Rh. haematodes sounds relevant. Thanks Maggi!

And I agree - the pink is definitely not dendrocharis 

Whatever - I like it and the roe deer like it. They have munched away several tips with buds

[johnw]

Flowers a tad small for haematodes?

[Hoy]

Do I have to delve into my lair to solve the mystery?

[Hoy]

I did a little delving - can it be Rh. piercei?

[Maggi Young]

 Might be - I haven't grown it so I'm not sure what size the flowers are or what size of calyx that has - the leaves would fit the bill I think but not sure about their size either!  We need Jens or John!

[birck j c]

My guees

sperabila var. sperabile

jens

[Maggi Young]

Thanks , Jens - this photo of Rhod. sperabile is by the (late) George Smith, taken at Arduaine Garden in Argyll

from an ARS journal of 1992

[johnw]

I haven't been around these Neriiflora enough to have a feel for them. R. beanianum, sperabile and piercei I don't have a handle on; I'd guess any one of those and Jens would still be right!

john