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 May 1, 2001 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). The format for reporting parentage has been modified slightly to conform to that now used by the IRA. If the direction of the cross is known, the seed parent is followed by an "(s)". For the plant being described, seed and pollen parents are separated by an upper case "X". If either parent is itself a cross, the individual components within that cross are separated by a lower case "x". Parentheses are used only in describing the more complex crosses.

Abbreviations are used where appropriate: (a) = azalea, (r) = rhododendron, (v) = vireya, (z) = azaleodendron; 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").

(r) 'Amber Lantern' Lepidote rhododendron: keiskei hybrid. H (c 1990), G (pre 1995), and N: Frank Arsen, Lindenhurst, NY; I (1995): Roslyn Nursery, Dix Hills, NY; REG (2001): Werner Brack, St. James, NY. Fls 3-7/flat truss, funnel-shaped, 1.25" (30mm) long x 1.5" (40mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; moderate purplish red (58A) in bud, opening inside pale yellow (11C) with green spots in the tube; outside pale yellow (11C) with strong purplish pink (55B) bands on midribs. Calyx minute. Truss 1.5" (40mm) high x 3" (75mm) wide. Lvs held 1 year, 2" x 0.6" (50 mm x 15mm), elliptic, acute apex, rounded base, flat margins, dull and moderate olive green (137B) above, no visible scales. Shrub 2.7' (0.8m) high x 5' (1.5m) wide in 7 years. Plant hardy to at least -10ºF (-23ºC); buds, -5°F (-21°C). Early April.

(r) 'Berry Punch' Elepidote rhododendron: ('Brandt Red' x yakushimanum ) (s) X ['Yaku Sunrise' x ('C.I.S.' x 'Jingle Bells')]. H (1984) and G 1988): Gregory H. Kesterson, Freeland, WA; N (2000): Bernard and Karol Nelson; REG (2001): Nelson's Nursery, Sedro-Woolley, WA. Fls 12/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.25" (55mm) long x 3.25" (80mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; moderate purplish red (59C) in bud, opening inside strong purplish red (65C), with a few dark red (59A) spots on the dorsal lobe; outside strong purplish red (64B). Truss 4" (100mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 5.5" x 2" (140mm x 50mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, down curved margins, dull and dark yellowish green (139A) above, with hairy indumentum below, moderate to pale yellow (161-162) at first, changing to strong yellow (153D). Shrub 6' (1.8m) high x 7' (2.1m) wide in 16 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least 5ºF (-15ºC); buds, 10ºF (-12ºC). Mid May.

(a) 'Blanche Edebohls' Deciduous azalea: Parentage unknown. H (pre 1985): Louis Edebohls, Hardwick, VT; G (1988), N (2001), and REG (2001): Paul Wieczoreck, Hinesburg, VT; I (2001): Lincoln Hill Nursery, Hinesburg, VT. Fls 7-9/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2" (50mm) long x c 3.5" (85-90mm) wide, 5 slightly wavy-edged lobes; light yellowish green in bud, opening inside pale greenish yellow (2D) with light greenish yellow (3D) midribs and prominent brilliant yellow (11A) dorsal spotting extending from throat to near the lobe margin; outside colored similarly, but without spotting. Calyx 0.1"-0.2" (3-5mm) long, light green, densely hairy. Lvs 2"-2.8" x 0.8"-1" (50-70mm x 20-25mm), oblanceolate to oblong, apiculate apex, cuneate base, dull and mid green above, slightly glaucous below; petioles and young lvs hairy. Shrub 4.5' (1.35m) high x 5.5' (1.65m) wide in 15 years. Plant and bud hardy to at least -30ºF (-34ºC). Late May-early June.

(r) 'Blessing' Elepidote rhododendron: 'Lisa' (s) X fortunei . H (1977): Ray Goodrich, Vienna, VA; G (1984), N, and REG (2001): Fred S. Winter, Pottstown, PA. Fls double (only an occasional stamen present), 12-15/ball truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 1.5" (40mm) long x c 1.2" (30mm) wide, 11-12 wavy-edged lobes; peach-pink in bud, opening inside yellowish white, lightly flushed pink at margins; outside pink, paling to near white at base; unmarked. Calyx c 0.1" (2.5mm) long, green. Truss 4"-5" (100-125mm) high x 4"-5" (100-125mm) wide. Lvs 3.8" x 1.5" (95mm x 40mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, rounded to oblique base, flat margins, semi-glossy and dark green above, hairless. Shrub 5' (1.5m) high x 4' (1.2m) wide in c 20 years, intermediate to dense habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -10°F (-23°C). Late April-early May. (ARS Seed Exchange lot 78-504)

(r) 'Break Fast' Elepidote rhododendron: 'Goldfort' (s) X 'Donna Hardgrove'. H (1976): M.E. Byrkit, Hagerstown, MD; G (1982), N (1998), and REG (2001): Fred S. Winter, Pottstown, PA. Fls 8-10/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 1.2" (30mm) long x c 1.2" (30mm) wide, 5-lobed; very light yellow to white in bud, opening inside very light yellow fading to white; outside white; unmarked. Calyx c 0.2" (5mm) long, pale yellowish green. Truss 4" (100mm) high x 5"-6" (125-150mm) wide. Lvs held 2-3 years, 5" x 2.4" (125mm x 60mm), ovate, obtuse apex, rounded base, downcurved margins, glossy and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 5' (1.5m) high x 5' (1.5m) wide in 20 years, compact, dense habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -10°F (-23°C). Late April. (ARS Seed Exchange lot 77-426)

(r) 'Glowing Gold' Elepidote rhododendron: 'Yaku Sunrise' (s) X 'Lem's Cameo'. H (1981): Frank Fujioka (1981); G (1988), N (2000), and REG (2001): Gregory H. Kesterson; both Freeland, WA. Fls 15/dome truss, funnel-shaped, 1.5" (40mm) long x 2.5" (65mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; strong reddish orange (34C) in bud, opening inside to a blend of moderate pink (49B) margins, deep pink (52B) midribs, and light orange yellow (16C) throat, with the upper throat spotted strong orange (26A); outside light yellowish pink (36C) at margins shading to pale yellow (20C) near base, with deep yellowish pink (43C) midribs; with age, the corolla changes from yellow-orange to gold, and finally to light yellow. Truss 4" (100mm) high x 5.5" (140mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 6" x 2" (150mm x 50mm), narrowly elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, wavy margins, dull and dark yellowish green (139A) above, hairless. Shrub 3.5' (1.1m) high x 5' (1.5m) wide in 15 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least 0ºF (-18ºC); buds, 10ºF (-12ºC). Mid-late April (for three weeks).

(v) 'Madame Pele' Lepidote rhododendron: hellwigii (s) X konori x leucogigas 'Hunstein's Secret'. H: Graham Snell, Queensland, Australia; G (1999), N, and REG (2001): R.A. Mitchell, Volcano, HI. Fls 6/flat truss, tubular funnel-shaped, 3.5" (90mm) long x 4" (100mm) wide, 7 wavy-edged lobes; lightly scented; deep red (53A) in bud, opening inside strong red (53B), outside strong red (53C); unmarked. Calyx 0.25" (6mm) long, strong red (53C). Truss 3.5" (90mm) high x 8" (200mm) wide. Lvs 5.5" x 2.75" (140mm x 70mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, rounded base, semi-glossy and deep yellowish green (141B) above. Shrub 3' (0.9m) high x 2' (0.6m) wide in 10 years. Plant hardy to at least 45ºF (7ºC). Mid January. (ARS Seed Exchange lot 90-15)

(v) 'Namaste' Lepidote rhododendron: leucogigas 'Hunstein's Secret' (s) X konori 'White Giant'. H: John Rouse, Victoria, Australia; G (1999), N, and REG (2001): R.A. Mitchell, Volcano, HI. Fls 8/flat lax truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 4.5" (115mm) long x 4.75" (120mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; lightly scented; pale yellowish pink (159D) in bud, opening inside pale orange yellow (159C) with a pink basal blotch; outside shading from pale yellowish pink (159D) at margins, through pink, ending pale yellow (19C) at the base. Calyx 0.25" (6mm) long, pale yellowish pink (159D). Truss 6" (150mm) high x 9" (225mm) wide. Lvs 3.5" x 2" (90mm x 50mm), obovate, obtuse to slightly acute apex, cuneate base, down curved margins, semi-glossy and moderate yellowish green (139B) above. Shrub 2' (0.6m) high x 1.5' (0.45m) wide in 6 years. Plant hardy to at least 45ºF (7ºC). Mid January. (ARS Seed Exchange lot 94-47)

(r) 'Peach Freckles' Elepidote rhododendron: 'Apricot Fantasy' (s) X 'Janet Blair'. H (1990): Jacob Rosenthal, Jamaica, NY; G (1997), N (2001), and REG (2001): Werner Brack, St. James, NY; I (2001): Roslyn Nursery, Dix Hills, NY. Fls 14/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2.25" (55mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, 7 wavy-edged lobes; strong pink (54C) in bud, opening inside pale purplish pink (56C) with the dorsal lobes and tube heavily speckled strong red (50A); outside, pale purplish pink (56B). Calyx c0.1" (3mm) long, strong yellow green (142A). Truss 5.5" (140mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 6" x 2.75" (150mm x 70mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins, dull and moderate olive green (137B) above, hairless. Shrub 5' (1.5m) high x 6.7' (2.0m) wide in 10 years. Plant and bud hardy to at least -5°F (-21°C). Late May.

(r) 'Phipps 32': Synonym of 'Phipps Yellow'.

(r) 'Phipps Yellow' Elepidote rhododendron: 'Golden Star' (s) X unknown yellow seedling. H (1958): Howard Phipps, Sr, Westbury, NY; G: Ewen McKennon, Superintendent, Howard Phipps Estate, Westbury, NY; N (1989) and I (1989): Briggs Nursery, Olympia, WA; REG (2001): Werner Brack, St. James, NY. Fls 10/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2.25" (55mm) long x 3.4" (85mm) wide, 7 wavy-edged lobes; light yellow (11B) in bud, opening light yellow (11B) throughout; unmarked. Calyx 0.25" (6mm) long, strong yellowish green (141C). Truss 4.5" (115mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 5.25" x 2.4" (130mm x 60mm), elliptic, obtuse apex, rounded base, flat margins, semi-glossy and moderate olive green (147B) above, hairless. Shrub 3' (0.9m) high x 5' (1.5m) wide in 11 years. Plant and bud hardy to at least -5°F (-21°C). Early May. (Synonym: 'Phipps 32')

(v) 'Sandy Mitchell' Lepidote rhododendron: ( zoelleri x leucogigas ) (s) X christi . H (1995), G (1999), N (2000), and REG (2001): R.A. Mitchell, Volcano, HI. Fls 5/flat truss, elongated tubular funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 2.5" (65mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; the lobes opening inside vivid reddish orange (40B) and outside strong reddish orange (40C), the tube yellow inside and out, unmarked. Calyx 0.25" (c 6mm) long, green. Truss 4" (100mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs 3.25" x 1.75" (80mm x 45mm), elliptic, acuminate apex, rounded base, upcurved margins, semi-glossy green above, no visible indumentum. Shrub 3' (0.9m) high x 2' (0.6m) wide in 6 years, open habit. Plant hardy to at least 35ºF (2ºC). Early December.

R. 'Sandy Mitchell'

(r) 'Sue Conn' Elepidote rhododendron: 'Anna' (Lem) (s) X 'Lem's Cameo'. H (1980), G (1986), N, and REG (2001): Elsie Watson, Kirkland, WA. Fls 14/ball truss, openly funnel-shaped, 3.25" (80mm) long x 3.25" (80mm) wide, 7 frilly-edged lobes; deep pink (50B) in bud, opening inside vivid red (45C), edged moderate pink (49B), with a light pink (49C) dorsal flare spotted grayish reddish orange (174); outside strong pink (48C). Calyx very short (c 1.5mm), red. Truss 6" (150mm) high x 7" (175mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 4" x 1.5" (100 mm x 40 mm), elliptic, obtuse apex, cuneate base, downcurved margins, glossy and moderate green above, hairless. Shrub 6' (1.8m) high x 7' (2.1m) wide in 13 years. Plant and bud hardy to at least 15ºF (-9ºC). Late May.

Correction

'Westport Point': (published in Journal ARS, Vol. 54, No 1 Winter 2000 ); Parentage should read: ( minus x racemosum )(s) X ciliatum .