QBARS - v12n3 R. 'Dora Amateis'

R. 'Dora Amateis'

I am enclosing a photograph of my cross 'Dora Amateis,' (R. carolinianum x R. ciliatum ) that won the $50 first prize at the International Flower Show held here in New York City last March. In addition to the above prize it was also awarded the Max Schling Silver Medal for the best new hybrid in the show. As you know, this is the first time there has been a class for rhododendrons in this show. The jury was composed of Mr. George White, President of Bobbinck & Atkins, Dr. Clement Gray Bowers, Dr. Henry T. Skinner, Mr. C. Powers Taylor of Rosedale Nurseries and Mr. Joseph Tansey.

The cross was made twice, the first time in 1951 with Rh. ciliatum pollen provided by Mrs. Ray James of Eugene, Oregon and again in 1952 with pollen provided by Mr. Hjalmar Larson with pollen from a selected form he calls Rh. ciliatum var. Bergii . The first cross named for my mother is pure white and the second cross, named for my sister-in-law, 'Helen Amateis,' starts off with a pink bud and opens a blush white. All other siblings have been destroyed-there are only these two cultivars. They have proven surprisingly hardy, both crosses having successfully passed a trying winter of -4°F. without the loss of any pips. Further testing is necessary at lower temperatures which I feel they will pass. (Fig. 26)