American Rhododendron Society Plant Registry

The following rhododendron and azalea names, submitted through the North American registrar, were approved and added to the International Rhododendron Register prior to November 1, 2000 by the Royal Horticultural Society, International Registration Authority for the genus Rhododendron. Names conform to the rules and recommendations of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants - 1995. Color numbers refer to the RHS Colour Chart unless noted otherwise. Accompanying color names are taken from A Contribution toward Standardization of Color Names in Horticulture, R.D. Huse and K.L. Kelly, edited by D.H. Voss (ARS, 1984).

Parents of a plant are reported in the conventional order: (seed parent x pollen parent). Abbreviations are used where appropriate: H = hybridized by, G = grown to first flower by, R = raised by, S = selected by, N = named by, I = introduced by, REG = registered by; dates are enclosed in parentheses immediately following the activity.

Metric conversions of flower and leaf measurements are reported in 5mm (0.2") increments for dimensions greater than 25mm (1").

'Aladdin's Jinni': Elepidote rhododendron. (['Impi' x hemsleyanum ] x 'Aladdin'). H (1988), G (1996), N, and REG (2000): D.W. Goheen, Camas, WA; I (2000): A Sandy Rhododendron, Sandy, OR. Fls 14-16/flat truss, tubular funnel-shaped, 4" (100mm) long x 4" (100mm) wide, 5-6 wavy-edged lobes; strong red (51A) in bud, opening inside deep pink (51C) shading darker to deep pink (51B) in throat, with a small, strong red (51A) blotch in the base, a dorsal flare of the same color, and some spotting of vivid reddish orange (33B) and strong yellowish pink (33C); outside deep pink (51C), streaked with strong red (51A); moderately scented. Calyx c 0.4"-0.5" (9-13mm) long, deep pink (51B). Truss 3.5"-4" (90-100mm) high x 11"-12" (275-300mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 8"-9" (200-225mm) x 3"-3.5" (75-90mm), elliptic, cuspidate apex, cuneate base; dull mid green, wrinkled, and powdery above, with light tan, felted indumentum below, and some glandular hairs on veins. Shrub 5' (1.5m) tall x 5' (1.5m) wide in 11 years, open habit. Plant hardy to at least 5°F (-15°C); buds, 10°F (-12°C). Late June.

'Always a Lady': Elepidote rhododendron. (Parentage unknown; possibly (['Fawn' x 'Lem's Goal'] x ['Oasis' x 'Idealist'])). H (c 1966) and G (c 1972): Art Childers, Vida, OR; N (2000) and REG (2000): Frances Burns, Vida, OR. Fls 11/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2" (50mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, 7 very wavy-edged lobes, lavender pink in bud, opening inside light yellow (160B) at center, shading to moderate purplish pink (65A) at margins, with eight short rays of strong purplish red (58B) surrounding the ovary; outside pale yellow (158B) at base, shading to light purplish pink (65B) at margins; moderately scented. Calyx less than 0.1" (c 1.5mm) long, strong yellow green (144A). Truss 6" (150mm) high x 7.5" (190mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 6.75" (170mm) x 2.5" (65mm), elliptic, acute apex, narrowly rounded base, flat margins; dull and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 7' (2.1m) tall x 7' (2.1m) wide in 20 years, intermediate habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -5°F (-21°C). Late May.

'Amethyst': Synonym of 'Dexter's Amethyst'.

'Ashley Ruth': Evergreen azalea. ('Asahi-sakigaki'* x 'Margaret Douglas'). H (1994), G (1996), N (1998), and REG (2000): Robert Stewart, Springfield, VA. Fls 2-3/truss, semi-double, openly funnel-shaped, 1.75" (45mm) long x 2.4"-3" (60-75mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes with some petaloid stamens; white and deep purplish pink in bud, opening white with a broad border of deep purplish pink (close to 55A) both inside and out. Calyx c 0.1" (3mm) long, green. Lvs 1.75" (45mm) x 1" (25mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; glossy and moderate yellow green (147B) above, hairless. Shrub 1.7' (0.5m) tall x 1.7' (0.5m) wide in 6 years, intermediate habit, very floriferous. Plant and bud hardy to at least 0°F (-18°C). Mid May.

R. 'Ashley Ruth'

'Autumn Violet': Lepidote rhododendron. ( impeditum x dauricum hybrid). H (pre 1971), G (pre 1974), and N (c1989): Gustav A.L. Mehlquist, Storrs, CT; I (1991): Roslyn Nursery, Dix Hills, NY; REG (2000): Ian E.M. Donovan, Pembroke, MA. Fls 1(-3)/truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 0.8" - 1" (20mm - 25mm) long x 1.2"-1.5" (30-40mm) wide, 5 frilly-edged lobes; vivid purple (87B) in bud, opening vivid violet (87A) throughout, the outside fading to vivid purple (87B); unmarked. Calyx c 0.1" (3mm) long, dull yellow green. Truss up to 1.5" (40mm) high x 1.75" (45mm) wide. Lvs held 1.5 years, 0.5"-1" (13-25mm) x 0.25" (6mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, rounded base, down-curved margins; semi-glossy, moderate yellow green (147B) above, scaly below. Shrub 1.3' (0.4m) tall x 2.5' (0.75m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -20°F (-29°C). Early April and again in September.

'Ben's June Bride': Elepidote rhododendron. ('Disca' x 'Graf Zeppelin'). H (1966) and G: Ben and Marion Shapiro, East Brunswick, NJ; N (1997): Marion Shapiro; REG (2000): Richard H. Gustafson, West Windsor, NJ. Fls 17/ball truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2.4" (60mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, 5 flat-edged lobes; buds light reddish purple (74C) fading to white at base, opening white, the inside edged moderate purplish pink (62B) and with a brilliant greenish yellow (2B) flare on the dorsal lobe and portions of two adjacent lobes, the exterior edged moderate purplish pink (65A); strongly scented. Truss 6" (150mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 3-4 years, 7.5" (190mm) x 2" (50mm), narrowly elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base; dull and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 7' (2.1m) tall x 7' (2.1m) wide in 10-12 years, intermediate habit. Late June. (Synonym: 'June Bride')

'Cocheco Peaches 'n' Cream': Elepidote rhododendron. ('Ice Cube' x unnamed Dexter hybrid). H (1983), G, N, and REG (2000): Joe B. Parks, Dover, NH. Fls 13/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.25" (55mm) long x 3.2" (80mm) wide, 5-6 wavy-edged lobes; light purple (77D) in bud, opening inside paler than very pale purple (76D), with large, discrete spots of grayish yellow green (195B) to light grayish olive (197C) on the dorsal lobe and portions of adjacent lobes; outside very pale purple (76D); moderately scented. Calyx 0.05" (c 1mm) long, paler than light yellow green (138D). Truss 4.5" (115mm) high x 7.25" (180mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 5.7" (145mm) x 1.6" (40mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; semi-glossy and strong yellow green (144A-B) above, hairless. Shrub 7' (2.1m) tall x 7' (2.1m) wide in 17 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -22°F (-30°C); buds, -18°F (-28°C). Early June.

'Cocheco Purple Passion': Elepidote rhododendron. ('Roseum Elegans' x 'Olin O. Dobbs'). H (1983), G, N, and REG (2000): Joe B. Parks, Dover, NH. Fls 20/ball truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 1.6" (40mm) long x 2.7" (70mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; dark purple (79B) in bud, opening inside strong purple (82B), with a nearly white blotch on lower half of dorsal lobe, the blotch spotted with dark purple (79B); outside vivid reddish purple (78A). Truss 3" (75mm) high x 4.25" (105mm) wide. Lvs held 4 years, 5.8" (145mm) x 2.6" (65mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; dull and moderate olive green (137B) to moderate yellow green (137C) above, hairless. Shrub 6' (1.8m) tall x 6' (1.8 m) wide in 17 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -22°F (-30°C); buds, -18°F (-28°C). Early June.

'Dexter's Amethyst': Elepidote rhododendron. (Parentage unknown). H (pre 1943): Charles O. Dexter, Sandwich, MA; G: Howard Phipps, Oyster Bay, NY; N: Paul Vossberg, Westbury, NY; I (1958): Westbury Rose Co., Westbury, NY; REG (2000): Richard H. Gustafson, West Windsor, NJ. Fls 12/ball truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 4" (100mm) wide, 7 wavy-edged lobes; deep to strong purplish pink (73A-B) in bud, opening inside light purple (76A) at edge, and shading to very pale purple (76D) with a tan to yellowish green dorsal flare; outside light purple (76A) at edge, fading to very pale purple (76D) at base. Truss 6.5" (165mm) high x 6.5" (165mm) wide. Lvs 7" (175mm) x 2.5" (65mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; moderate olive green (146A) above, hairless. Shrub at least 12' (3.6m) tall x 15'-18' (4.5-5.5m) wide, intermediate habit. Late May (Cape Cod, MA). (Synonym: 'Amethyst')

'Dix' Pride': Elepidote rhododendron. (Parentage unknown; possibly (a fortunei hybrid x a fortunei hybrid)). H (c1966) and G (c1972): Art Childers, Vida, OR; N (1972): Daisy Hamlin, Vida, OR; REG (2000): Frances Burns, Vida, OR. Fls 12/conical truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 4" (100mm) wide, 5 frilly-edged lobes; very light purple (75C) in bud, opening inside pale yellow green (155A) shading to very light purple (75C) at margins; outside yellowish white (155D) shading to very light purple (75C) at margins; unmarked; anthers brown; strongly scented. Calyx less than 0.1" (c 1.5mm) long, brilliant yellow green (150A). Truss 9" (225mm) high x 8.5" (215mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 6.75" (170mm) x 2.4" (60mm), elliptic and slightly downcurved longitudinally, acute apex, rounded base, upcurved margins; dull and moderate olive green (137A) above, hairless. Shrub 8' (2.4m) tall x 6' (1.8m) wide in 20 years, intermediate habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -5°F (-21°C). Early-mid May.

'Jolly Jim': Elepidote rhododendron. ( auriculatum x yakushimanum ). H (pre 1988): Unknown; G and S: James E. Cross, Cutchogue, NY; N and REG (2000): Herman C. Gehnrich, Huntington, NY; I (2001): Roslyn Nursery, Dix Hills, NY. Fls 16/dome truss, funnel-shaped, 1.8" (45mm) long x 2" (50mm) wide, 5 flat-edged lobes; pink in bud, opening white inside and out, with yellow spotting on dorsal lobe. Truss 3" (75mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs 6.5" (165mm) x 1.8" (45mm), narrowly elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 4' (1.2m) tall x 6' (1.8m) wide in 11 years, dense habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least 0°F (-18°C). Mid May. (Best unnamed yakushimanum hybrid, New York Chapter, ARS show, May 2000)

'Josephine Whitaker': Elepidote rhododendron. ('Award' x 'Esther Wagner'). H (1989), G, N (2000), and REG (2000): Harry S. Baker, Longview, WA. Fls 21/conical truss, funnel-shaped, 2" (50mm) long x 2" (50mm) wide, 6 frilly-edged lobes; red in bud, opening inside strong purplish pink (62A), with strong orange yellow (163B) spotting on the dorsal lobe; outside with a moderate purplish pink (62B) base and four parallel (62B) lines on each lobe, alternating with paler pink; lightly scented. Truss 5" (125mm) high x 4.5" (115mm) wide. Lvs 4" (100mm) x 2" (50mm), ovate, broadly acute apex, rounded base, wavy-edged margins; dull and dark yellowish green (189A) above, hairless. Shrub 4.5' (1.4m) tall x 3' (0.9m) wide in 8 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least 0°F (-18°C); buds, 5°F (-15°C). Late April.

'June Bride': Synonym of 'Ben's June Bride'.

'Mah-velous Mauve': Elepidote rhododendron. ([(Medusa Group x 'Crest') x wardii , L&S 5679] x [ yakushimanum x 'Jubilant']). H (1984) and G (1994): Ralph E. Burns, Vida, OR; N (2000) and REG (2000): Frances Burns, Vida, OR. Fls 9/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 4.25" (105mm) wide, 7 frilly-edged lobes; mauve pink in bud, opening inside moderate red (181C) at margins, shading inwards to moderate yellowish pink (173D), the throat moderate red (181A); outside moderate red (181C) at margins, shading through moderate yellowish pink (173D) to deep pink 185D) at base; moderately scented. Calyx minute, less than 1mm long, strong yellow green (145A). Truss 6" (150mm) high x 7"(175mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 5.75" (145mm) x 2.25" (55mm), elliptic, obtuse apex, rounded base, flat margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (137A) above, hairless. Shrub 6' (1.8m) tall x 7' (2.1m) wide in 16 years, intermediate habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -5°F (-21°C). Late May.

'Marcia Ann': Lepidote rhododendron. ( edgeworthii , selfed x [ lindleyi x nuttallii ], selfed). H (1988), G (1992), N (2000), and REG (2000): Pat Halligan, Langley, WA; I (2001): Paul Molinari, Enjoy Nursery, Occidental, CA. Fls 3-4/truss, broadly funnel-shaped (becoming flatter with age), 4" (100mm) long x 5"-6" (125x150mm) wide, 5 frilly-edged lobes; moderately to strongly scented. Calyx lobes 0.8" (20mm) long, red. Terminal inflorescence to 5" (125mm) high x 8" (200mm) wide. Lvs 4.5" (115mm) x 1.8" (45mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; somewhat wrinkled, semi-glossy and moderate olive green (137A) above, with very sparse brown scales below. Shrub 4' (1.2m) tall x 4' (1.2m) wide in c 10 years (in CA), dense habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least 20°F (-7°C). Late April (in CA).

'Marshall Stilwell': Elepidote rhododendron. (Parentage unknown). H (pre 1965): John C. Cowles, Stow, MA; G: Heritage Plantation, Sandwich, MA; N: R.H. Gustafson, West Windsor, NJ, and J. and N. Beaudry, Bethesda, MD; REG (2000): R.H. Gustafson (for Sandwich Club). Fls 8/loose ball truss, openly funnel-shaped, 1.5" (40mm) long x 2.5" (65mm) wide, 7 flat-edged lobes; moderately to strongly scented; strong red (51A) in bud, opening strong pink (48C) and changing to strong pink (50C) at edges, fading inside to pale yellow (19C) with a light yellow (12C) throat, and fading outside to light yellowish pink (19B) and pale yellow (19C). Truss 4.25" (105mm) high x 5" (125mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 4.4" (110mm) x 2" (50mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; dull and moderate olive green (137A) above, hairless. Shrub at least 10'-11' (3.0-3.4m) tall x 8' (2.4m) wide, open habit. Mid-late May.

'Merry Mary': Elepidote rhododendron. ('Aunt Martha' x 'Fred Puppe'*). H (1989), G, N (2000), and REG (2000): Harry S. Baker, Longview, WA. Fls 14-16/conical truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2" (50mm) long x 1.75" (45mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; vivid purple (82A) in bud, opening vivid purple (81A) throughout, with spotting of vivid purple (82A) on the dorsal lobe, extending upwards about 0.6" (15mm) and spreading onto adjacent lobes. Truss 4.5" (115mm) high x 4" (100mm) wide. Lvs 4.75" (120mm) x 2" (50mm), elliptic, acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; dull, moderate green (131C) above, hairless. Shrub 2' (0.6m) tall x 1.75' (0.5m) wide in 11 years. Plant and bud hardy to at least 5°F (-15°C). Late May.

'Orange Honey':  Elepidote rhododendron. ('Blondie'* x 'Catalgla'). H, G, N (pre 1980), and I: O.S. Pride, Butler, PA; REG: R.H. Gustafson, West Windsor, NJ. Fls 12/lax truss, funnel-shaped, 2.4" (60mm) long x 2.5" (65mm) wide, 5 flat-edged lobes; moderate pink (49B) throughout, with a few brown dorsal spots. Truss 6.5" (165mm) high x 6.75" (170mm) wide. Lvs held 2-3 years, 4.5" (115mm) x 1.5" (40mm), elliptic; moderate olive green (137A-B) above, hairless. Shrub 4.5' (1.4m) tall x 5.5' (1.7m) wide in c 15 years. Bud hardy to at least -28°F (-33°C). Late May-June.

'Piscataqua Party Girl': Evergreen azalea. ( yedoense var. poukhanense x 'Martha Hitchcock'). H (1982), G, N, and REG (2000): Joe B. Parks, Dover, NH. Fls 3/truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 1.9" (50mm) long x 2.6" (65mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; light purple (75A) in bud, opening inside with a very light purple (76B) border, paling abruptly below border and gradually becoming white at base, with grayed brown (close to moderate brown (165A)) dorsal spotting; outside very light purple (76B) at edge, shading gradually to very pale purple (76D) at base. Calyx c 0.3" (8mm) long, strong to moderate yellow green (143C-D). Lvs 2.8" (70mm) x 1.2" (30mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; dull, dark green (136A), with white hairs above. Shrub 2' (0.6m) tall x 2' (0.6m) wide in 18 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least -22°F (-30°C); buds, -15°F (-26°C). Late May. (During winter in NH, loses all but a small whorl of lvs at tips of stems; lvs persistent in Zone 6 and warmer.)

'Piscataqua Red Ace': Evergreen azalea. ( yedoense var. poukhanense x 'Girard's Hot Shot'). H (1982), G, N, and REG (2000): Joe B. Parks, Dover, NH. Fls 2-3/truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 1.6" (40mm) long x 2.2" (55mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; moderate red (180B) in bud, opening brick red (close to moderate red (180B)) inside and out, with a small, moderate red (180A) dorsal blotch. Calyx c 0.3" (8mm) long, moderate yellow green (139D). Lvs 1.75" (45mm) x 0.75" (20mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; dull, strong yellow green (143B), and hairy above. Shrub 1.5' (0.45m) tall x 4' (1.2m) wide in 18 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least -22°F (-30°C); buds, -16°F (-27°C). Late May. (During winter in NH, loses all but a small whorl of lvs at tips of stems; lvs persistent in Zone 6 and warmer.)

'Pop Pop's Pink': Elepidote rhododendron. ('Scintillation' x unknown). H (c1988): unknown; G, N (2000), and REG (2000): Jeri Kiel; to be I (c 2004): Heritage Laurels; both West Olive, MI. Fls 8-12/conical truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2" (50mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; strong purplish pink in bud, opening light purplish pink, with the interior dorsal lobe paler and the exterior midribs flushed darker; unmarked. Calyx lobes very short (c 1.5mm), green. Truss 5" (125mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 3-4 years, 3.25" (80mm) x 1.75" (45mm), obovate, obtuse apex, rounded base, flat to slightly upcurved margins; semi-glossy and mid green above, hairless. Shrub 1.8' (0.55m) tall x 2.4' (0.75m) wide in c 12 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -20°F (-29°C); buds, -18°F (-28°C). Late May.

'Red Cent': Elepidote rhododendron. ('Ben Nelson's Late Red'* x [( fortunei ssp. discolor x hemsleyanum ) x ( hemsleyanum x 'Autumn Gold')]). H (1993), G (2000), N, and REG (2000): D.W. Goheen, Camas, WA; I (post 2000): A Sandy Rhododendron, Sandy, OR. Fls 22-24/dome truss, open funnel-campanulate, 3" (75mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, 7 wavy-edged lobes; strong red (62B-C) in bud, opening vivid red (46C) at margins, shading to deep pink (52C) at base; nectaries vivid red (46C); strongly scented. Calyx minute, green tinged pink. Truss 6"-6.5" (150-165mm) high x 6"-6.5" (150-165mm) wide. Lvs held c 3 years, 6"-7" (150-175mm) x 2"-2.5" (50-65mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, oblique base, upcurved margins; dull and mid green above, hairless. Shrub 5' (1.5m) tall x 4' (1.2 m) wide in 6 years, open habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least 10°F (-12°C). Late June.

'Siuslaw Pioneer': Elepidote rhododendron. ('Ilam Orange' x macabeanum ). H (pre 1960): unknown, New Zealand; G and S: Agnes McCornack, Florence, OR; N (2000): Siuslaw Chapter, ARS; REG (2000): Everett G. Hall for the Siuslaw Chapter. Fls 16-18/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, 7 wavy-edged lobes; strong red (39A) in bud, opening inside moderate yellowish pink (37C) blending to light yellow (10B) at center, and fading to pale greenish yellow (1D), with a few dark red (187B) marks, c 0.5" (13mm) long, in dorsal throat; outside moderate yellowish pink (33D) blending to light yellow (14D), and fading to pale greenish yellow (1D). Truss 4" (100mm) high x 8.5" (215mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 9" (225mm) x 3" (75mm), narrowly elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, wavy margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 4' (1.2m) tall x 5' (1.5m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least 5°F (-15°C); buds,15°F (-9°C). Mid May. (Grown from seed sent to C. Phetteplace)

'Something Lovely': Elepidote rhododendron. ('Lori Eichelser', open pollinated). H (c 1980); G, N, and REG (2000): Herbert A. Spady; to be I: Westside Ornamentals; both Salem, OR. Fls 7/slightly flat truss, openly funnel-shaped, 1.75" (45mm) long x 2.25" (55mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; vivid red (57A) in bud, opening inside moderate purplish pink (62B), unmarked; outside vivid purplish red (57D) shading to moderate purplish pink (62B) on corolla edge. Calyx less than 0.1" (c1.5mm) long, green. Truss 2.5" (65mm) high x 5.5" (140mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 2"-2.5" (50-65mm) x 1"-1.5" (25-40mm), elliptic, broadly acute and mucronate apex, rounded base, downcurved margins; dull and moderate yellowish green (138A) above, hairless; petioles moderate red (184B). Shrub 1.5' (0.45m) tall x 1.5' (0.45m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least 10°F (-12°C). Mid April.

'Westport': Lepidote rhododendron. ( keiskei 'Yaku Fairy' x racemosum ). H (pre 1985) and G: unknown; N (1999): J. Powell Huie, Westport Point, MA; REG (2000): Ian E.M. Donovan, Pembroke, MA. Fls 3-6/bud, 2-3 buds/terminal inflorescence, openly funnel-shaped, 0.9" (22mm) long x 1.25" (30mm) wide, with 5 deeply cut, wavy lobes; buds pale greenish yellow (2D) with vivid purplish red (67B) stripes, opening inside greenish white (157D) with pale yellow spotting on dorsal lobe, outside greenish white (157D) striped strong purplish red (67A). Truss 1.5"(40mm) high x 2.25" (55mm) wide. Lvs held c 2 years, c 1.5" (40mm) x 0.75" (20mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded-oblique base; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (137A) above. Shrub 2' (0.6m) tall x 3.5' (1.1m) wide in 15 years, dense habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -10°F (-23°C). April-May. (MA Chapter code: P4M-1792)

* The following unregistered names appear as parents in the above descriptions:

'Asahi-sakigaki': Evergreen azalea; no data available.

'Ben Nelson's Late Red': Elepidote rhododendron; no data available.

'Blondie': Elepidote rhododendron. Leach/Pride: ([Nereid Group x fortunei ssp. discolor ] x 'Russell Harmon').

'Fred Puppe': Elepidote rhododendron. H: E.T. Anderson, parentage unknown.