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, 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: 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) 'Axilena': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Nancy Evans' (s) X 'Yellow Pages'. H (c1987), G (1990), N (2001), and REG (2001): W.A. Stipe, Greenbank, WA; I (2001): Glynneden Gardens, Greenbank, WA. Fls 18/ball truss, open funnel-campanulate, 2" (50mm) long x 2" (50mm) wide, with 5 flat-edged lobes; vivid reddish orange (44B) in bud, opening inside brilliant yellow (11A) with a slight, vivid reddish orange (44B) marking deep in the throat; outside light yellow (10C). Calyx 13mm long, strong reddish orange (31B). Truss 5" (125mm) high x 5" (125mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 5.5" x 1.75" (140mm x 45mm), elliptic, cuspidate apex, cuneate base, down-curved margins, dull and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 3.5' (1.1m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 8 years, intermediate habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least 18°F (-8°C). Mid May.

(r) 'Barbara Hall': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Road Red'* (s) X 'Prelude'. H (c1962), G, and N: Captain R.M. Steele, Bayport, Nova Scotia, Canada; I: Bayport Plant Farm, Bayport, NS, and Briggs Nursery, Olympia, WA; REG (2001): John K. Weagle, Halifax, NS, Canada. Fls 12/ball truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 1.8" (45mm) long x 3.2" (80mm) wide, with 6 wavy-edged lobes; vivid purplish red (61A) in bud, opening inside edged deep to strong purplish pink (67C-D) shading to moderate purplish pink (186D), with a prominent, deep red (60A) solid blotch at the base and peripheral (60A) spotting expanding into a V-shaped dorsal flare; outside edged (67C-D) with slightly darker mid veins; stigma deep red (185A). Truss 5.4" (135mm) high x 6.4" (160mm) wide. Calyx c 0.1" (3-4mm) long, white. Lvs held 3 years, 7.4" x 2.8" (185mm x 70mm), elliptic to slightly obovate, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat or slightly upcurved margins; dull and close to moderate olive green (137A) above, edged with a fine yellow line (just perceptible). Shrub 8.1' (2.5m) high x 8.1' (2.5m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least -20°F (-29°C); buds, -10°F (-23°C). Midseason. (Note: Named after the late Barbara Hall, founding member and president of the RSC Atlantic Chapter.)

(r) 'Bonnie Campbell': Elepidote rhododendron: ('Butter Brickle' x 'September Song') (s) X pachysanthum . H (1991),G (1995), N (2001), and REG (2001): John Winberg, Fall City, WA. Fls 13-14/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 6 wavy-edged lobes; light pink (49C) in bud, opening inside greenish white (155C) with a vivid red (46B) flare in the throat; outside pale pink (49D). Truss 5" (125mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 4" x 1.8" (100mm x 45mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins, glossy and moderate olive green (147A) above, with a hairy indumentum below and on petioles, greenish white(157D) at first, changing to rusty brown. Shrub 6' (1.8m) high x 8' (2.4m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least 0°F (-18°C); buds, 5°F (-15°C). Mid May.

(r) 'Bonnie Johnson': Elepidote rhododendron: ('Butter Brickle' x 'September Song') (s) X pachysanthum . H (1991), G (1995), N (2001), and REG (2001): John Winberg, Fall City, WA. Fls 14/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 6 wavy-edged lobes; light pink (49C) in bud, opening inside greenish white (155C) with a prominent, vivid red (46B) dorsal flare; outside pale pink (49D). Truss 5" (125mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide Lvs held 3 years, 3.8" x 1.8" (95mm x 45mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins, glossy and moderate olive green (147A) above, with a hairy indumentum below and on petioles, greenish white(157D) at first, changing to rusty brown. Shrub 5.25' (1.6m) high x 5' (1.5m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least 0°F (-18°C); buds, 5°F (-15°C). Mid May.

(r) 'Copper Topaz': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Hotei' (s) X 'Morna Belle'. H (1989): Morna Stockman; G (1999), N (1999), and REG (2001): Harold and Morna Stockman, Port Angeles, WA. Fls 10/ball truss, funnel-campanulate, 2.5" (65mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; strong red (53B-D) in bud, opening pale yellowish pink (159D), flushed inside strong pink (54C) at margins and vivid yellow (13A) in center; outside flushed strong red (53D). Calyx lobes unequal, two 0.4" (10mm) long, the others 0.2" (5mm) long, colored as corolla and with a green center. Truss 6" (150mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 1 year, 4.5" x 1.8" (115mm x 45mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, rounded base, upcurved margins, dull and dark green above, hairless. Shrub 2.5' (0.75m) high x 2' (0.6m) wide in 12 years, dense habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least 10°F (-12°C). Mid May.

(r) 'Dorothy Dean Jones': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Nancy Evans' (s) X 'September Song'. H (1989), G (1995), N (2000), and REG (2001): W.A. Stipe, Greenbank, WA; I (2001): Glynneden Gardens, Greenbank, WA. Fls 13/dome truss, open funnel-campanulate, 3" (75mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 5 flat-edged lobes; light yellow (20B) in bud, opening inside light yellowish pink (27A), outside light greenish yellow (8C). Calyx 5mm long, deep yellowish pink (47C). Truss 6" (150mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 3.5" x 1.5" (90mm x 40mm), elliptic, cuspidate apex, cuneate base, flat margins, dull and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 6' (1.8m) high x 6' (1.8m) wide in 11 years, intermediate habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least 18°F (-8°C). Mid May.

(r) 'Fred Minch': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Brigadoon' (s) X 'Seven Seas'*. H (1990): Fred Minch, Puyallup, WA; G (1995), N (2001), and REG (2001): J. Delbert Brim, Mount Airy, NC. Fls 14/dome truss, funnel-campanulate, 1.75" (45mm) long x 2.5" (65mm) wide, with 7 flat-edged lobes; light greenish yellow (5C) throughout, with a deep purplish red (59B) throat. Truss 4.5" (115mm) high x 5.5" (140mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 5" x 1.5" (125mm x 40mm), narrowly elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins, semi-glossy and dark green (136A) above, hairless. Shrub 3' (0.9m) high x 4' (1.2m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C); buds, -5°F (-21°C). Mid May.

(r) 'Frosted Jade': Elepidote rhododendron: selection from yakushimanum . S (2001), G, N, and REG (2001): H.C. Gehnrich, Huntington, NY. Fls 10/dome truss, funnel-campanulate, 1.5" (40mm) long x 1.75" (45mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; strong purplish pink (55B) in bud, opening inside pale purplish pink (55D) and outside light purplish pink (55C), then changing to nearly white throughout. Truss 2.5" (65mm) high x 3.5" (90mm) wide. Lvs 3.5" x 1.4" (90mm x 35mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins, glossy and dark yellowish green (139A) above, with a heavily felted hairy indumentum below, pale greenish yellow (2D) at first, aging to brownish orange (165B). Shrub 5' (1.5m) high x 3.5' (1.1m) wide in 25 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least 5°F (-15°C); buds, 10°F (-12°C). Mid May.

(a) 'Gamecock': Deciduous azalea: natural hybrid of calendulaceum and periclymenoides , wild-collected near Lake Keowee in Pickens County, SC. S (1990), N (1995), and REG (2001): L. Clarence Towe, Walhalla, SC and Nick Anastos, Marietta, SC; I (2001): Lazy K Nursery, Pine Mountain, GA. Fls 5-9/lax truss, single, c 1.75" (45mm) wide, with 5 very deeply divided lobes (cut to base), each lobe c 0.5" (15mm) wide; vivid reddish orange (41A) in bud, opening inside vivid reddish orange (41A) with a strong orange (25A) dorsal blotch; outside moderate reddish orange (41C). Calyx 0.1" (3mm) long, green. Terminal inflorescence 3" high x 3" wide (75mm x 75mm). Lvs 1.75" x 1" (45mm x 25mm), obovate, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins, semi-glossy and moderate olive green (146A) above, hairless. Shrub 4' (1.2m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C); buds, -5°F (-21°C). Late April.

(a) 'Goldbrick': Deciduous azalea: natural hybrid of arborescens and cumberlandense , wild-collected in the Nantahala Mountains, western NC. S (1992), N (1992), and REG (2001): L. Clarence Towe, Walhalla, SC and Nick Anastos, Marietta, SC; I (2001): Lazy K Nursery, Pine Mountain, GA. Fls 5-7/dome truss, tubular funnel-shaped, c 1.5" (40mm) long x 1.5" (40mm) wide, 5-lobed; vivid yellow (14A) in bud, opening brilliant yellow (14C) inside and out, with a vivid yellow (14A) dorsal blotch; pistils red. Calyx 0.1" (3mm) long, green. Terminal inflorescence 3" high x 3" wide (75mm x 75mm). Lvs 1.5" x 0.75" (40mm x 20mm), elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins, semi-glossy and moderate olive green (146A) above, hairless; petioles red. Shrub 4' (1.2m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -20°F (-29°C); buds, -10°F (-23°C). Late May.

(r) 'John T. Meagher': Elepidote rhododendron: brachycarpum ssp. tigerstedtii (s) X 'Mrs. T.H. Lowinsky'. H (1986): David N. Hinton, Orono, ON, Canada; G, and S (c 1997): John T. Meagher, Halifax, NS, Canada; N: Jean and Gail Meagher, Halifax, NS; I: Rhodoland Nurseries (Jack Looye), Niagara-On-The Lake, ON; REG (2001): John K. Weagle, Halifax, NS, Canada. Fls 23/ball truss, broadly funnel-shaped (base very slightly funnel-campanulate), 2" (50mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 5 slightly wavy-edged lobes; buds white, tipped and edged light purple (84B) with blotch speckles showing through, opening white faintly edged inside and out at first with light purple (84C), changing rapidly to white; with a large, prominent blotch (showing through to outside) of strong brown (172A) edged brownish orange (172C) on a faint, brilliant yellow (13B) ground, covering most of the dorsal lobe and portions of adjacent lobes. Truss 5" (125mm) high x 7" (175mm) wide. Calyx c 0.1" (3-4mm) long, brilliant yellow green (150A-B). Lvs held 2 years, 7.2" x 3.4" (180mm x 85mm), elliptic to slightly obovate, broadly acute apex, rounded to slightly cordate base, mainly flat but some with slightly upcurved or down-curved margins; glossy and moderate olive green (146A-147A) above, with a faint trace of non-persistent hairs above and persistent hairs below along edges of midrib, dark reddish orange (175C). Shrub 5' (1.5m) high x 8' (2.4m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least -20°F (-29°C); buds, -10°F (-23°C). Mid June. (Note: "Meagher" is pronounced MARR.)

(r) 'Lauren Atkins': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Trilby' (s) X 'Anah Kruschke'. H (1990), G (1994), N (2001), and REG (2001): J. Delbert Brim, Mount Airy, NC. Fls 25/conical truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 5 flat-edged lobes; strong purplish red (61B) with prominent dark red (59A) spotting on the dorsal lobe. Truss 6.5" (165mm) high x 6.5" (165mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 8" x 2.5" (200mm x 65mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins, semi-glossy and dark yellowish green (139A) above, hairless. Shrub 6' (1.8m) high x 6.5' (2.0m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C); buds, -8°F (-22°C). Mid May.

(a) 'Magic Pink': Deciduous azalea: natural hybrid of calendulaceum and periclymenoides , wild-collected near Toxaway Mountain in western NC. S (1999), N (2001), and REG (2001): L. Clarence Towe, Walhalla, SC and Nick Anastos, Marietta, SC; I (2001): Lazy K Nursery, Pine Mountain, GA. Fls 5-9/dome truss, tubular funnel-shaped (with a narrow tube), c 1.5" (40mm) long x 1.5" (40mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; lightly scented; deep purplish pink (73A) in bud, opening very pale purple (73D) throughout, and changing to strong red (46A) after three days; unmarked. Calyx 0.1" (3mm) long, green. Terminal inflorescence 3" high x 3" wide (75mm x 75mm). Lvs 2.5" x 0.75" (65mm x 20mm), elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins, semi-glossy and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Estimated shrub size 6' (1.8m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C); buds, -5°F (-21°C). Early May.

(r) 'Melinda Hiatt': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Glenna' (s) X 'Dexter's Champagne'. H (1991), G (1996), and REG (2001): Jim Barlup, Bellevue, WA; N (2001): Bob Hiatt, Newcastle, WA; I (2001): Nelson's Nursery, Sedro Woolley, WA. Fls 9/ball truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 3.8" (95mm) wide, with 6 very wavy-edged lobes; deep pink (51B) in bud, opening inside yellowish white (155D) shading to pale purplish pink (62D) margins, the dorsal lobe with two light greenish yellow (4B) flares, 20mm long, and faint spotting of light greenish yellow (4C); outside yellowish white (155D) between midribs of moderate purplish pink (62B) at base, paling to pale purplish pink (62D) at tips. Truss 6" (150mm) high x 6.5" (165mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 4.2" x 1.8" (105mm x 45mm), oblong, broadly acute to obtuse apex, rounded base, flat margins, semi-glossy and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 3' (0.9m) high x 4' (1.2m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least 0°F (-18°C). Early May.

(r) 'Penny Candy': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Vicki Reine' (s) X 'Crest'. H (1989): Morna Stockman; G (1997), N (2001) and REG (2001): Harold and Morna Stockman, Port Angeles, WA. Fls 10/ball truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.25" (55mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, with 6-7 wavy-edged lobes; strong red (51A) in bud, opening inside yellowish white (155B), the throat light yellow (10C) and the lobes randomly flushed moderate purplish pink (62B); outside strong to moderate purplish pink (62A-B). Calyx lobes unequal, two 0.25" (6mm) long, the others c 0.1-0.2" (3-4.5mm) long, yellow. Truss 6" (150mm) high x 6.5" (165mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 3.5" x 1.8" (90mm x 45mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, rounded base, down-curved margins, dull and dark green above, hairless. Shrub 3.5' (1.1m) high x 3.5' (1.1m) wide in 12 years, intermediate habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least 10°F (-12°C). Mid May.

(a) 'Pink Flash': Deciduous azalea: selection from periclymenoides , wild-collected near Lake Cherokee, Oconee County, SC. S (1985), N (2001), and REG (2001): L. Clarence Towe, Walhalla, SC and Nick Anastos, Marietta, SC; I (2001): Lazy K Nursery, Pine Mountain, GA. Fls 5-7/dome truss, tubular funnel-shaped, 1.5" (40mm) long x 1.75" (45mm) wide, 5 wavy-edged lobes; moderately scented; deep purplish pink (68A) in bud, opening inside strong purplish pink (68B) with a white dorsal blotch; outside moderate purplish pink (68C). Calyx 0.1" (3mm) long, green. Terminal inflorescence 3" high x 3" wide (75x75mm). Lvs 2.5" x 1" (65mm x 25mm), elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins, dull and moderate yellow green (147B) above, hairless. Shrub 4' (1.2m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C); buds, -5°F (-21°C). Late April-early May.

(r) 'Purple Amethyst': Elepidote rhododendron: [( yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada' x 'Burgundy') x 'Purple Splendour'] (s) X 'Smokey'. H (1985), G (1991), N (2001), and REG (2001): Frank Fujioka, Freeland, WA. Fls 12/ball truss, saucer-shaped, 2" (50mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; deep purplish red (71A) in bud, opening inside deep purplish red (71A) at edges, paling to very pale purple (73D) at center, the dorsal lobe very pale purple (69D) slightly spotted with moderate yellow (163C); outside deep purplish red (71A); anthers white. Truss 5" (125mm) high x 5" (125mm) wide. Calyx less than 0.1" (c1.5mm) long, moderate yellow green (138C). Lvs leathery, held 3 years, 5.5" x 2" (140mm x 50mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, down-curved margins, semi-glossy and dark bluish green (131A) above, with a hairy indumentum scattered lightly below, tan at first, aging to rust. Shrub 4' (1.2m) high x 4' (1.2m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Mid May. (Synonym: 'San Diego')

(a) 'Random Red': Deciduous azalea: natural hybrid of calendulaceum and periclymenoides , wild-collected near Lake Keowee in Oconee County, SC. S (1985), N, and REG (2001): L. Clarence Towe, Walhalla, SC and Nick Anastos, Marietta, SC; I (2001): Lazy K Nursery, Pine Mountain, GA. Fls 5-9/dome truss tubular funnel-shaped, c 1.75" (45mm) long x 1.75" (45mm) wide, with 5 flat-edged lobes; vivid red (44A) in bud, opening inside vivid reddish orange (33A) and changing to vivid red (44A) in three days, unmarked; outside vivid red (44A). Calyx 0.1" (3mm) long, green. Terminal inflorescence 3" high x 3" wide (75mm x 75mm). Lvs 2" x 0.75" (50mm x 20mm), obovate, acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins, semi-glossy and moderate olive green (146A) above, hairless. Shrub 8' (2.4m) high x 6' (1.8m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C); buds, -5°F (-21°C). Late April-early May.

(r) 'San Diego': Synonym of 'Purple Amethyst'.

(a) 'Spring Rainbow': Deciduous azalea: natural hybrid of calendulaceum and periclymenoides , wild-collected near Lake Keowee in Oconee County, SC. S (1985), N (2001), and REG (2001): L. Clarence Towe, Walhalla, SC and Nick Anastos, Marietta, SC; I (2001): Lazy K Nursery, Pine Mountain, GA. Fls 5-9/dome truss, tubular funnel-shaped, c 1.75" (45mm) long x 1" (25mm) wide, with 5 flat-edged lobes; vivid red (45A) in bud, opening inside white, changing to strong purplish pink (62A), then to moderate purplish red (58A) with a brilliant yellow (13C) blotch which ages to strong orange (25B); outside vivid red (45A); all colors present at the same time. Calyx 0.1" (3mm) long, green. Terminal inflorescence 3" high x 3" wide (75mm x 75mm). Lvs 1.75" x 1" (45mm x 25mm), obovate, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins, semi-glossy and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Estimated shrub size 6' (1.8m) high x 5' (1.5m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C); buds, -5°F (-21°C). Late April-early May.

(a) 'Spring Sunspot': Deciduous azalea: natural hybrid of calendulaceum and periclymenoides , wild-collected near Lake Keowee in Oconee County, SC. S (1998), N (1998), and REG (2001): L. Clarence Towe, Walhalla, SC and Nick Anastos, Marietta, SC; I (2001): Lazy K Nursery, Pine Mountain, GA. Fls 5-7/dome truss, tubular funnel-shaped, c 1.75" (45mm) long x 1.75" (45mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; moderately scented; vivid yellow (12A) in bud, opening inside brilliant yellow (11A), with a vivid yellow (12A) dorsal blotch; outside light yellow (11B). Calyx 0.1" (3mm) long, green. Terminal inflorescence 3" high x 3" wide (75mm x 75mm). Lvs 2" x 1" (50mm x 25mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins, dull and moderate olive green (146A) above, hairless. Estimated shrub size 6' (1.8m) high x 4' (1.2m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C); buds, -5°F (-21°C). Late April-early May.

(a) 'Talladega': Deciduous azalea: selection from alabamense , wild-collected in the Talladega Mountains, eastern AL. S (2000), N (2001), and REG (2001): L. Clarence Towe, Walhalla, SC and Nick Anastos, Marietta, SC; I (2001): Lazy K Nursery, Pine Mountain, GA. Fls 5-9/dome truss, tubular funnel-shaped (with a very narrow tube), c 2" (50mm) long x 2" (50mm) wide, with 5 flat-edged lobes; strongly scented; white in bud, opening white inside and out, with a large, brilliant yellow (10A) dorsal blotch. Calyx 0.1" (3mm) long, green. Terminal inflorescence 3.5" high x 3.5" wide (90x90mm). Lvs 2.5" x 1.25" (65mm x 30mm), obovate, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins, semi-glossy and moderate olive green (146A) above, hairless. Estimated shrub size 5' (1.5m) high x 5' (1.5m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C); buds, -5°F (-21°C). Late April.

(r) 'The Porcupine': Elepidote rhododendron: degronianum ("most likely the RBGE form") (s) X makinoi . H (c 1986, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada): M.J. Harvey, Victoria, BC; G: Christopher Clarke, Liverpool, NS; N, and REG (2001): John K. Weagle, Halifax, NS, Canada; I: Briggs Nursery, Olympia, WA; Glendoick Gardens, Perth, Scotland; Bunchberry Nursery, Clementsport, NS; Rhodoland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Winter flower buds 0.8" x 1.2" (20mm x 30mm) wide, brownish orange (164A) at tip, paling to pale orange yellow (165D) at base, with 12 scales (4 rows of 3, bottom 2 with recurved tips). Fls 12/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2" (50mm) long x 2.8" (70mm) wide, with 5 flat to slightly wavy-edged lobes; deep purplish pink (67C) in bud, opening inside light purplish pink (62C), edged moderate purplish pink (62B), with the midrib of the dorsal lobe white; outside edged light purplish pink (68D) on a white base, with midribs and lobe tips deep purplish pink (67C). Truss 5.2" (130mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Calyx less than 0.1" (2mm) long, with an occasional extended vestigial tip, cream. Lvs held 3(-5) years, 6.8" x 1.4" (170mm x 35mm), lanceolate, acute apex, cuneate base, down-curved margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (137A) above, with a dense, hairy indumentum on leaf surfaces and petioles, less dense on stems, white at first changing to pale orange yellow (165D). Shrub 6.5' (2.0m) high x 8' (2.4m) wide in c 15 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least -17°F (-27°C); buds, -4°F (-20°C). Mid June.

(a) 'Timberline': Deciduous azalea: selection from vaseyi , wild-collected in the Shining Rock Wilderness, western North Carolina. S (1990), N (2001), and REG (2001): L. Clarence Towe, Walhalla, SC and Nick Anastos, Marietta, SC; I (2001): Lazy K Nursery, Pine Mountain, GA. Fls 5-9/flat truss, saucer-shaped to very broadly funnel-shaped (with a very short tube), c 1.25"-2" (30-50mm) long x 2" (50mm) wide, with 5 flat-edged lobes; strong purplish red (64C) in bud and in flower, with some burgundy spots at base of dorsal lobe. Calyx 0.1" (3mm) long, green. Terminal inflorescence 3" high x 3" wide (75x75mm). Lvs 3" x 1.25" (75mm x 30mm), elliptic, acuminate apex, cuneate base, wavy margins, semi-glossy and moderate yellow green (147B) above, hairless. Shrub 5' (1.5m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least -20°F (-29°C); buds, -10°F (-23°C). Early May.

(r) 'True Blue': Elepidote rhododendron: ( yakushimanum x campanulatum ) (s) X 'Black Eye' *. H (1994): Dan Bones, Florence, OR; G (1999), N, and REG (2001): James Smith, Mapleton, OR; I: Roadside Rhododendrons, Mapleton, OR. Fls 21-25/conical truss, funnel-campanulate, 1.75" (45mm) long x 2.5" (65mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; vivid purple (81A) in bud, opening inside light purple (81C), with dark purple (83A) dorsal spotting and white stamens; outside vivid purple (81B). Truss 6" (150mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs 6" x 2.5" (150mm x 65mm), ovate, broadly acute apex, rounded base, glossy and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 4' (1.2m) high x 5' (1.5m) wide in 6 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least 5°F (-15°C); buds, 10°F (-12°C). April-May. (Awards: Best New American Hybrid, Eugene, OR (2001); Southwestern OR (1999))

(r) 'Tulare': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Mrs. Furnivall' (s) X 'Lem's Cameo'. H (1989), G (1994), N (1996), and REG (2001): Jim Barlup, Bellevue, WA; I (2001): Whitney Gardens and Nursery, Brinnon, WA. Fls 14/ball truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.2" (55mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 5 flat-edged lobes; strong red (53C) in bud, opening inside yellowish white (155D) shading to pale purplish pink (65D), edged light purplish pink (65B), with strong purplish red (60C) nectar pouches, two (60C) flares, 0.5" (13mm) long, and (60C) spotting extending 1.2" (30mm) upwards on the dorsal lobe; outside yellowish white (155D) shading to pale purplish pink (65D), with moderate purplish pink (65A) midribs. Truss 6" (150mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 4.4" x 1.8" (110mm x 45mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, rounded base, down-curved margins, dull and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 2' (0.6m) high x 2' (0.6m) wide in 4 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least 0°F (-18°C). Early May.

(r) 'Walt's Legacy': Elepidote rhododendron: aureum (s) X 'Blewbury'. H (1984) and G (1987): Walt Wilkes, Seattle, WA; N (1997), and REG (2001): Clint Smith, Sumner, WA. Fls 12/dome to ball truss, openly funnel-shaped, 1.5" (40mm) long x 1.5" (40mm) wide, with flat-edged lobes; reddish brown in bud, opening creamy white throughout, with some light yellow spotting on the dorsal lobe. Truss 3" (75mm) high x 4" (100mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 2.5" x 0.75"-1" (65mm x 20-25mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, semi-glossy and dark green above, hairless. Shrub 2' (0.6m) high x 2' (0.6m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C). Early April.

* The following unregistered names appear as parents in the above descriptions:
'Black Eye': Elepidote rhododendron, 'Anah Kruschke' X 'Purple Splendour'; I: H. Greer
'Road Red': Elepidote rhododendron. An old, unidentified, ironclad elepidote growing roadside in Digby County, NS, Canada; planted in late 1800s.
'Seven Seas ': Elepidote rhododendron, yakushimanum hybrid; H: F. Minch