Rhododendrons 2016

[Steve Garvie]

A few more in flower ........... and then came the frost!

Rhododendron megeratum


Rhododendron kesangiae -Some of the trusses are almost football-sized. This species is the only big-leaved rhododendron to have have done well here over the years.

[johnralphcarpenter]

Wonderful Steve, I must get a better camera!

This is labelled as Rhododendron schlippenbachii, first time flowering after several years. Does it look right?

[johnw]

re: the schlipp - could very well be but a better foliage shot would help.

john

[David Nicholson]

Rhododendron 'Ginny Gee'  Sorry about the shadow of my big head, why is it Steve never does things like that?

[TC]

David
This what Ginny Gee will grow to eventually.  I thought it was a "dwarf "when I bought it about 12 years ago.  Same with most of my Rhododendrons.
They always get bigger than what it says on the label.

This is the first year that the Cinnabarinum has flowered properly.  I have two other species which will hopefully take, replacing the two which gave up the ghost for no obvious reason.  Much to my relief, Lady Alice came through the Winter and is flowering profusely.  The scent permeates the garden.  My Edgeworthii has one bud opening and Tinkerbird is also looking good.

[Garden Prince]

This is labelled as Rhododendron schlippenbachii, first time flowering after several years. Does it look right?

In my opinion: no.

Attached a picture of Rhododendron schlippenbachii leaves

[johnralphcarpenter]

Thanks, I'll take a close look at the leaves tomorrow.

[johnralphcarpenter]

Rhododendron calostrotum 'Gigha' and R. 'Ems'.

[ian mcdonald]

Tom, I don,t know if it is the same with Rhodos. but a conifer grower told me that the given height of a "dwarf " conifer usually refers to the height after ten years.

[David Nicholson]

David
This what Ginny Gee will grow to eventually.  I thought it was a "dwarf "when I bought it about 12 years ago.  Same with most of my Rhododendrons.
They always get bigger than what it says on the label.

Thanks for that Tom. I see that she grows to 40-60 cm in ten years so in 2026 I'll dodder down the garden and just check how accurate that is

By the way, you've set me off. I've just be looking where I could get Lady Alice Fitzwilliuam and edgeworthii from!

[johnw]

In my opinion: no.  Attached a picture of Rhododendron schlippenbachii leaves

If you look at jrc's picture and to the leaf in the left fore corner, the one with the big hole on the right margin, it could very well be schlipp if it developed properly.  Maybe he can find one good leaf and that will end the puzzle especially of it's somewhat obovate.  Having said that judging from what I see of the flower it's a rather poor expression of this fine species.

john

[TC]

David
I think that Tinkerbird would suit you.  Its compact, hardy and seems readily available, also with a perfume. Mine has been growing well for 4 years.
It can take a bit of frost.  It grows outdoors at Glendoick and their winters are colder than mine.  Devon should also be OK

Lady Alice and Edgeworthii are borderline hardy with me.  They survived this winter with no damage but we have had little in the way of frost.

Both plants had been kept in large pots but outgrew the greenhouse space available so I took a chance on planting them.

 I also bought an American scented hybrid, Martha Wright, from the Tree centre on Loch Fyne - this seems to be growing well.

[David Nicholson]

Many thanks for that Tom.

[Tristan_He]

Another that came with the house - I think it is 'Curlew'. Whatever it is I'm very fond of it.

[Maggi Young]

Very nice , Tristan - I think it may be 'Chikor'  - Curlew flowers aren't such a good colour and are a rounder shape.
Foliage suggests 'Chikor' too.  Much better than any  'Chikor' I've had, by the way!