QBARS - v4n2 Suggestions for Using the American Rhododendron Society Variety Check List Card

Suggestions For Using The American Rhododendron Society Variety Check List Card

  1. If the variety is a clone, cross out the gr. If it is a group variety, such as 'Fabia', cross out the cl.
  2. Under "Classification" include any group name which might be useful, such as Kurume azalea, Knap Hill azalea, etc. Local group names which appear to be useful might well be included.
  3. Both name and address, where known, of the originator and introducer should be included.
  4. The color standards of the Royal Horticultural Society should be the basis of the flower color description.
  5. The normal full grown size of the plant should be estimated where possible.
  6. It is desirable to use different symbols to indicate hardiness in America from those used in England, otherwise it would not be known whether the variety had been rated in this country or not. The following symbols are suggested for American Rhododendron Society hardiness ratings:
    • H-1-Varieties hardy to -25°. Should be hardy in southern New York and southern New England.
    • H-2-Hardy to -15°.
    • H-3-Hardy to -5°. These varieties should be fairly hardy in the southern part of Long Island and around Philadelphia.
    • H-4-Hardy to +5°.
    • H-5-Hardy to +15°. Such varieties should be hardy in the Portland and Seattle areas.
    • H-6-Hardy to +25°. These varieties should be hardy close to the coast in the Pacific Northwest or in sheltered areas throughout western Washington and Oregon.
    • H-7-Hardy to +32°.
  7. It is suggested that American Rhododendron Society ratings be based essentially on four stars as are the English ratings. However, we should use the lower case letter x in place of the asterisk, so that a published rating can be distinguished as to the country in which it was rated. It is not anticipated that those who are cooperating in developing a check list would be responsible for establishing ratings. American Rhododendron Society ratings will be developed presumably, by the Committee on Awards. It would help, however, if the person filling out the card would suggest a rating, if he cared to do so, for varieties with which he is sufficiently familiar. Such suggested ratings should be enclosed in parenthesis and treated only as suggestions. It is suggested that the letter N be used in the rating space to indicate varieties not now in the trade. The letter O should indicate obsolete varieties not worthy of being known. The letter P should indicate varieties which have probably passed out of existence.
  8. Under "Awards" should be listed the type of award and the date.
  9. It would be of considerable value to have the reference to the original publication of the variety description. This probably would not be published in the check list, but would be available in case someone is particularly interested in it. Of course, many varieties have been introduced without an official description being published in a horticultural publication except in a nursery catalog or price list.

(This instruction sheet is tentative and will have to be further refined before being sent out for actual use. It may offer a basis for suggestions, however.)