QBARS - v21n2 Rhododendron 'Elizabeth Jenny''

Rhododendron 'Elizabeth Jenny'
Alleyne Cook, Vancouver, B.C.

Rhododendron 'Elizabeth Jenny' is still probably the best of the creeping type of Rhododendron, so useful in a small garden. As its annual growth is as strong as its better known sister 'Elizabeth', it will, if planted in the ground, cover a considerable area in a short time. The picture shows a specimen planted in a barrel. This plant was imported from England in the late fifties and even under what could not be termed the happiest of conditions still makes good growth. Those with a little imagination will find many ways to plant and use 'Elizabeth Jenny'.

It does not seem to be as free flowering as 'Elizabeth', nor are the flowers as large or as bright a red. It is not really fair to compare the two for 'Elizabeth' literally smothers itself in bloom to the extent of practically hiding the foliage, and apart from the Kurume Azaleas, there are very few Rhododendrons that do that. The bloom color does not compare either, with the brilliant 'Blood Ruby', another excellent but smaller creeping type. However 'Elizabeth Jenny's' flowers are larger and the growth is stronger.