Rhododendron Basics & Gardens
Most cultivated rhododendrons are hybrids or cultivars that are propagated from cuttings or tissue culture. Rhododendrons are referred to as the King of Shrubs since they are regarded by many as the best flowering evergreen plants for the temperate landscape. Rhododendrons are shrubs for all seasons. In winter some stand out with large evergreen leaves. In spring the flowers are showy. Throughout the summer and fall the leaves add a pleasing, deep green color to the garden. Some deciduous azaleas add bright fall color before the leaves drop. The spectacular spring flowers of azaleas and rhododendrons make them among the most popular garden shrubs. Rhododendrons are divided into 5 groups:
When botanists categorize rhododendrons and azaleas they refer to scales. These "scales" are about three-time the diameter of a human hair and are easily visible with a hand lens. The term lepidote is used to describe the rhododendrons with scales on their leaves and stems, while the term elepidote is used to describe the rhododendrons without scales. All azaleas are also elepidotes. About one third of all rhododendron species are in a group of tropical rhododendrons called Vireyas. Vireyas are classified with the other lepidotes in the subgenus Rhododendron. The following articles were printed in the Journal of The American Rhododendron Society or in the ARS Rhododendron & Azalea News: About Rhododendrons
Selecting Rhododendrons
Growing Rhododendrons Rhododendron Gardens in America's Garden City The following are articles printed about gardens in the Philadelphia area, America's Garden City, in the Journal of the American Rhododendron Society:
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