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 August 1, 2003 by the Royal Horticultural Society, International Cultivar 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 conforms with that now used by the ICRA. 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 rhododendron, (z) = azaleodendron; H = hybridized by, G = grown to first flower by, R = raised by, S = selected by, N = named by, I = introduced commercially 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").

(a) 'Betty Ellen': Evergreen azalea: ('Desiree' x unnamed hybrid code CB-1*) (s) X 'Midnight Flare' *. H (1996), G, N, and REG (2003): Robert Stewart, Springfield, VA. Fls 3/truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 1.8" (45mm) long x 3.2" (80mm) wide, with 5 frilly-edged lobes; light purplish pink (near 55C) in bud, opening white inside with margins unevenly tinged light purplish pink (55C) and base slightly flushed green; outside light purplish pink (55C). Calyx lobes c 0.5" (15mm) long, brilliant yellow green (149C). Lvs 2.2" x 0.6" (55 x 15mm), elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; moderate olive green (near 137B) above; hairless. Shrub 2' (0.6m) high x 2.5' (0.75m) wide in 8 years, intermediate habit. Plant and buds hardy to at least 0°F (-18°C). Mid May.

(r) 'Bill's Legacy': Elepidote rhododendron: hybrid between R. wardii and unknown. G (1995), N (2003), and REG (2003): Bill Dale, Sidney, B.C., Canada. Fls 6/dome truss, openly funnel-campanulate, 2" (50mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, with 5 wavy- edged lobes; buds deep ivory with deep reddish purple showing through at base, opening inside and out pale orange yellow (159C) with a solid, dark red (187B) blotch in the base, edged with short streaks of (187B) speckles; the basal blotch shows through on the outside as a purplish red stain. Truss 3" (75mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 1 year, 4" x 1.5" (100 x 40mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, oblique base, flat margins; dull and light green above, hairless. Shrub 8' (2.4m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 12 years, intermediate habit. Mid May.

(r) 'Bob Stuart': Lepidote rhododendron: synonym of 'Robert Stuart'.

(r) 'Burgundy Splendor': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Anna' (s) X 'Ted's Choice'. H (1995): Edwin T. (Ted) Anderson, Longview, WA; G (1999), N (2003), and REG (2003): David W. Holcomb, Longview, WA. Fls 14-17/ dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 3.5"-4" (90-100mm) wide, with 5 frilly-edged lobes; dark red (59A) in bud, opening inside strong purplish red (71C) with a black dorsal blotch; outside strong reddish purple (72B). Truss 5.5" (140mm) high x 7.5" (190mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 6.5"-7" x 2.5" (165-175 x 65mm), elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, down curved margins; dull and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 3' (0.9m) high x 2' (0.6m) wide in 8 years. Plant hardy to at least 10°F (-12°C). Mid May.

(r) 'Gotham Rheingold': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Hotei' (s) X 'Phipps Yellow'. H (1989), G (1997), N (2003), and REG (2003): Werner Brack, St. James, NY; to be I (2004): Roslyn Nursery, Dix Hills, NY. Fls 11-12/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.2" (55mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, with 7 wavy-edged lobes; vivid reddish orange (34B) in bud, opening light yellow (12C) throughout; unmarked. Calyx lobes 0.5" (13mm) long, brilliant yellow (11A). Truss 3.5" (90mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 5" x 2" (125 x 50mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (137A) above; hairless. Shrub 4' (1.2m) high x 4' (1.2m) wide in 14 years; intermediate habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -5°F (-21°C). Early May.

R. 'Gotham Rheingold' Photo by Werner Brack

(r) 'Jeanette's Petticoats': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Anna' (s) X ( R. yakushimanum x 'Smokey'). H (1990): John Winberg, Fall City, WA; G (1998), N (2003), and REG: Stuart Imrie, Bonney Lake, WA; to be I (2005): Lake Tapps Rhododendron Nursery, Bonney Lake, WA. Fls 13/conical truss, openly funnel- shaped, 2" (50mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 5 frilly-edged lobes; vivid purplish red (57B) in bud, opening inside pale purplish pink (62D) at margins, shading to strong purplish pink (62A) with dark red (59A) markings at base; outside vivid purplish red (66A). Truss 4" (100mm) high x 5" (125mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 5"x2" (125x50mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; semi-glossy and dark green (136A) to dark yellowish green (136B) above, hairless. Shrub 3' (0.9m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least 5°F (-15°C); buds, 10°F (-12°C). Late May.

(r) 'Jim Fry': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Mrs. P.D. Williams' (s) X 'Tiana'. H (1985), G (2001), N (2003), and REG (2003): Frank Arsen, Lindenhurst, NY. Fls 15/ball truss, openly funnel-shaped, 1.6" (40mm) long x 2.2" (55mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; strong reddish purple (78B) in bud, opening inside very light purple (75C) with a prominent, strong greenish yellow (153C) blotch; outside strong reddish purple (78B). Truss 6" (150mm) high x 7" (175mm) wide. Lvs held 5 years, 5.5" x 2" (140 x 50mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, wavy margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (137B) above, grayish yellow green (194B) below; hairless. Shrub 5' (1.5m) high x 4' (1.2m) wide in 18 years, intermediate habit. Mid-late May

(r) 'Lehigh Gold': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Scintillation' (s) X 'September Song'. H (1990), G (1994), N (2003), and REG (2003): Allan Glassman, Allentown, PA. Fls 12/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 1.8" (45mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 7 wavy- edged lobes; apricot (pinkish yellow) in bud, opening inside light yellow tinged randomly with pale pink and aging to golden yellow; outside light yellow tinged with pale pink mainly towards the edges, changing to yellow; apricot and green speckled flare. Calyx lobes 0.4" (10mm) long, colored as interior of corolla. Truss 5.5" (140mm) high x 5.5" (140mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 3.4" x 2" (85 x 50mm), broadly elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base; dull and moderate yellow green (147B) above, hairless. Shrub 4.5' (1.4m) high x 6' (1.8m) wide in 12 years, intermediate habit, very floriferous, flowering at an early age. Plant hardy to at least -15°F (-26°C); buds, -8°F (-22°C). Midseason.

(r) 'Lemon Lady': Elepidote rhododendron: ('Esther Wagner' x 'Crest') (s) X 'Anniversary Gold'. H (1993): Edwin T. (Ted) Anderson, Longview, WA; G (1998), N (2003), and REG (2003): David W. Holcomb, Longview, WA. Fls 15-16/ball truss, funnel-campanulate, 2" (50mm) long x 3"-3.5" (75-90mm) wide, with 5-7 wavy-edged lobes; lightly scented; strong reddish orange (34C) in bud, opening inside pale greenish yellow (1D), outside light greenish yellow (1C); unmarked. Calyx lobes to 0.1" (3mm) long, strong yellow green (144B) changing to moderate red (180A) on one side. Truss 7" (175mm) high x 7" (175mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 2.5"-3.5" x 1.2" (65-90 x 30mm), curled and twisted: oblong, broadly acute apex, oblique base, very wavy margins; dull and moderate olive green (147A) above, hairless. Shrub 3' (0.9m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 10 years, dense habit. Plant hardy to at least 10°F (-12°C). Mid May.

(r) 'Noyo Warrior': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Noyo Chief' (s) X R. yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada'. H (1963) and G: Cecil Smith, St. Paul, OR; N: Jason Ashford, Salem, OR; I: Cecil and Molly Smith Garden, St. Paul, OR; REG (2003): Herbert Spady, Salem OR. Fls 12-15/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 1.8" (45mm) long x 2" (50mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; color of buds more saturated than deep purplish pink (55A), opening inside deep purplish pink (55A) at margins, blending to a very light center (near white), with some strong red (53B) spotting on dorsal lobe; outside similar, but darker. Calyx lobes minute, deep purplish pink (55A). Truss 5.5" (140mm) high x 5" (125mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 3"-4" x 1.2"-2" (75-100 x 30-50mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; semi-glossy and dark yellowish green (139A) above, with pale yellow (161C) indumentum below, aging to dark grayish yellow (199D). Shrub 3'-4' (0.9-1.2m) high x 3'-4' (0.9-1.2m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Early April.

(r) 'Orange Cameo': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Lem's Cameo' (s) X 'Kubla Khan'. H and G (1989): Allen P. Johnson, Port Orchard, WA; N (2003), and REG (2003): Stuart Imrie, Bonney Lake, WA; I (1995): Lake Tapps Rhododendron Nursery, Bonney Lake, WA. Fls 15/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 1.8" (45mm) long x 2.5" (65mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; deep yellowish pink (47C) in bud, opening inside pale yellow (18C) with pink margins and a speckled, deep pink (50B) dorsal blotch; outside deep pink (52B). Calyx lobes 1" (25mm) long, deep pink (52B). Truss 7" (175mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 4.5" x 1.5" (115 x 40mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; semi-glossy and moderate yellowish green (139B) above, hairless. Shrub 3' (0.9m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 8 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least 5°F (-15°C); buds, 10°F (-12°C). Mid May.

(r) 'Orange Leopard': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Voluptuous' (s) X 'Point Defiance'. H (1988), G (1995), N (2002), and REG (2003): Werner Brack, St. James, NY; I (2003): Roslyn Nursery, Dix Hills, NY. Fls 16/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2" (50mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, with 5 frilly-edged lobes; strong red (51A) in bud, opening inside pale purplish pink (56D) in the center with margins of strong purplish pink (55B), c 0.5" (15mm) wide, the dorsal portion of the corolla heavily spotted with strong red (46A), and the ventral lobes splashed with strong purplish pink (55B); outside deep purplish pink (54B). Calyx lobes c 0.1" (3mm) long, moderate reddish orange (35A). Truss 5" (125mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 5" x 2" (125 x 50mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (137A) above; hairless. Shrub 3' (0.9m) high x 4' (1.2m) wide in 15 years; intermediate habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -5°F (-21°C). Late May.

(r) 'Peach Volcano': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Apricot Fantasy' (s) X 'Lemon Marmalade'*. H: Clint Smith, Sumner, WA; G (1998), N (2003), and REG (2003): Stuart Imrie, Bonney Lake, WA; to be I (2004): Lake Tapps Rhododendron Nursery, Bonney Lake, WA. Fls 16/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; vivid red (45B) in bud, opening inside pale yellow (18C) with a moderate yellowish pink (39C) dorsal flare; outside moderate yellowish pink (39C). Calyx lobes 1.2" (30mm) long, moderate yellowish pink (39C). Truss 5" (125mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 5.5" x 1.8" (140 x 45mm), oblong, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; glossy and moderate olive green (137A) above, hairless. Shrub 7' (2.1m) high x 6' (1.8m) wide in 10 years, intermediate habit. Plant hardy to at least 5°F (-15°C); buds, 10°F (-12°C). Late May.

(r) 'Promesa': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Paprika Spiced' (s) X 'Amigo-Two'. H (1992), G (2000), N (2003), and REG (2003): David Goheen, Camas, WA; to be I: A Sandy Rhododendron, Sandy, OR. Fls 12-14/ball truss, broadly funnel-campanulate, 2.5" (65mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; strong purplish red (54A) in bud, opening inside strong pink (52D) at margins and shading to vivid red (52A) at base, with numerous, discrete, deep red (53A) spots on all lobes, heaviest on the dorsal lobes; outside strong pink (54C) at margins, shading through deep purplish pink (54B) to strong purplish red (54A) at base. Calyx lobes variable, c 0.2"-0.8" (5-20mm) long, deep red (53A). Truss 6"-7" (150-175mm) high x 6"-7" (150-175mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 5"-6" x 1.5"-2" (125-150 x 40-50mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (137A) above, hairless. Shrub 5' (1.5m) high x 3' (0.9m) wide in 9 years, open habit. Plant and buds hardy to at least 5°F (-15°C). Mid April.

(r) 'Pseudo Orange': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Whitney's Orange' (s) X R. pseudochrysanthum . H (1988), G (1996), N (2002), and REG (2003): Werner Brack, St. James, NY; I (2002): Roslyn Nursery, Dix Hills, NY. Fls 11/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 1.8" (45mm) long x 2.5" (65mm) wide, with 5 flat-edged lobes; strong red (53D) in bud, opening inside strong purplish pink (55B) with small, strong red (53D) spots scattered on the dorsal lobe; outside deep purplish pink (55A). Calyx lobes c 0.25" (6mm) long, moderate yellow green (139D). Truss 3" (75mm) high x 5" (125mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 5" x 2" (125 x 50mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (146A) above; hairless. Shrub 4' (1.2m) high x 6' (1.8m) wide in 15 years; open habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -5°F (-21°C). Early April. (Best in Show at New York Chapter, ARS Early Show (1999)).

(r) 'Robert Stuart': Lepidote rhododendron: R. minus var. minus (s) X R. concinnum (as var. pseudoyanthinum ). H and G (pre 1970): Robert E. Stuart, Stratham, NH; N (c 1990): Gustav A.L. Mehlquist, Storrs, CT; REG (2003): George Hibben, Lincoln, MA. Fls (2)-3-(9)/ball truss, broadly funnel- shaped, 1.2" (30mm) long x 1.4" (35mm) wide, with 5 flat-edged lobes; strong purple (77B) in bud, opening inside strong reddish purple (78B) with faint spotting of light purple (77D) on dorsal lobe; outside, light purple (77C). Truss 2.5" (65mm) high x 2" (50mm) wide. Lvs 1.5"-1.8" x 0.5"-0.6" (40-45 x 13-15mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, down curved margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (147A) above, moderate olive brown (199A) below. Shrub 2.5' (0.75m) high x 3.5' (1.1m) wide in 13 years, dense habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -20°F (-29°C). Early May. (Synonym: 'Bob Stuart')

(a) 'Sandy Dandy': Evergreen azalea: 'Leopold-Astrid' (s) X 'Girard's Fuchsia'. H (1995), G (1997), N (2003), I (2003), and REG (2003): Joseph F. Klimavicz, Vienna, VA. Fls 2/ truss, saucer-shaped, 1.4" (35mm) long x 2.5" (65mm) wide, with 5 wavy-edged lobes; buds near pale orange yellow (159C), opening inside and out near pale orange yellow (159C), the interior flushed randomly with pale purplish pink (close to 56A) towards base of tube, and with a moderate yellow (160A) blotch and some spotting on lower portions of dorsal lobes; ("garden effect is beige"). Lvs 1.8" x 0.6" (45 x 15mm), elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; moderate olive green (136A) above; hairless. Shrub 2' (0.6m) high x 2' (0.6m) wide in 5 years, dense habit, heavy flower texture. Plant and buds hardy to at least 0°F (-18°C). Mid April-May.

(r) 'Shoreham': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Janet Blair' (s) X 'King of Shrubs'. H (1985), G (1992), N (2003), and REG (2003): Werner Brack, St. James, NY; to be I (2004): Roslyn Nursery, Dix Hills, NY. Fls 10/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.2" (55mm) long x 4" (100mm) wide, with 7 wavy-edged lobes; deep pink (50B) in bud, opening inside moderate pink (49B) with a blotchy dorsal flare of vivid reddish orange (34B) and vivid yellow green (154A); outside strong pink (49A). Calyx lobes 0.1" (3mm) long, strong greenish yellow (151B). Truss 4" (100mm) high x 6.5" (165mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 6" x 2.4" (150 x 60mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; dull and moderate olive green (146A) above; hairless. Shrub 8' (2.4m) high x 7' (2.1m) wide in 18 years; open habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -5°F (-21°C). Late May.

(r) 'Sky Peach': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Mary Belle' (s) X 'Dexter's Honeydew'. H (1973): Robert A. Furman, Brewster, MA; G (c 1985), N (2003), and REG (2003): Frank Furman, Bridgewater, NJ. Fls 13/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, with 5-7 wavy-edged lobes; opening inside pale purplish pink (62D) at margins, shading to light greenish yellow (4C) in the center, with a dorsal flare of strong purplish red (58B) spots; outside light purplish pink (62C). Truss 6" (150mm) high x 6.8" (170mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 3.5"-6.5" x 1.2"-1.8" (90-165 x 30-45mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex; semi-glossy and mid green above, hairless. Shrub 6' (1.8m) high x 7' (2.1m) wide in 12 years. Plant hardy to at least -10°F (-23°C); buds, -5°F (-21°C). Early May.

(r) 'Stellar Event': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Millard Kepner' (s) X 'Olin O. Dobbs'. H (1975), G (c1980), N (2003), and REG (2003): Dr Max Byrkit, Hagerstown, MD. Fls 13+/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2.8" (70mm) long x 3.5" (90mm) wide, with 5-7 wavy-edged lobes; purple in bud, opening inside with vivid purple (81B) margins, c 10-15mm wide, changing abruptly to a nearly white star-shaped center; outside vivid reddish purple (78A); unmarked. Truss 5" (125mm) high x 4.5" (115mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 8" x 2.5" (200 x 65mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; hairless. Shrub 7' (2.1m) high x 6' (1.8m) wide in 27 years, intermediate habit, heavy flower substance, very floriferous. Plant hardy to at least –15°F (-26°C); buds, -10°F (-23°C). Midseason. (Best of class at Potomac Valley Chapter, ARS flower show, 2002)

(r) 'Sunny Morning': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Morning Sunshine' (s) X 'Sunny Day'. H (1997), G (2003), N (2003), and REG (2003): R.W. (Bob) Ward, Puyallup, WA. Fls 18/dome truss, openly funnel-shaped, 2" (50mm) long x 3" (75mm) wide, with 7 frilly-edged lobes; pale greenish yellow (2D) throughout, with a small (c 15mm long), red dorsal flare at base; lightly scented. Truss 5" (125mm) high x 7" (175mm) wide. Lvs held 2 years, 4.2" x 1.8" (105 x 45mm), obovate, broadly acute apex, rounded base, down curved margins; dull and moderate yellowish green (138A) above, hairless. Shrub 2' (0.6m) high x 1.5' (0.45m) wide in 5 years, open habit. Plant and buds hardy to at least 5°F (-15°C). Early May.

(r) 'White Elegance': Elepidote rhododendron: 'Janet Blair' (s) X Phipps no. 84*. H (1986), G (1992), N (2003), and REG (2003): Werner Brack, St. James, NY; to be I (2004): Roslyn Nursery, Dix Hills, NY. Fls 11/dome truss, broadly funnel-shaped, 2.5" (65mm) long x 4.2" (105mm) wide, with 7 wavy-edged lobes; stamens lacking; lightly scented; pale purplish pink (56B) in bud, opening white inside and out, with a prominent, jagged-edged, strong red (46A) basal blotch on a light greenish yellow (8C) ground. Calyx lobes 0.25" (6mm) long, brilliant yellow green (149C). Truss 5" (125mm) high x 6" (150mm) wide. Lvs held 3 years, 6.2" x 3" (155 x 75mm), elliptic, broadly acute apex, rounded base, flat margins; semi-glossy and moderate olive green (137B) above; hairless. Shrub 7' (2.1m) high x 9' (2.7m) wide in 17 years; intermediate habit. Plant and bud hardy to at least -5°F (-21°C). Mid May. (At New York Chapter, ARS truss shows, awarded Hybridizer's Cup (1996) and Best in Show (2003)).

* The following unregistered names appear as parents in the above descriptions:
Code CB-10: Unnamed azalea, semi-evergreen, semi-double, pink and white fls, parentage unknown
'Lemon Marmalade': Elepidote rhododendron; H: H. Larson; 'Mrs Lammot Copeland' X 'Mary Drennen'
'Midnight Flare': Evergreen azalea; H: James O. Harris; 'Red Red' X 'Red Slippers'
Phipps no. 84: Unnamed elepidote rhododendron; H: H. Phipps; parentage unknown