Rhododendrons 101
/ˌrōdəˈdendrən/
noun
First of all, “Rhodys”, Azaleas, and ‘PJMs’ are all the same!!! They are all officially part of the rhododendron genus. They are one of our most popular stars of spring. All of those stocked at Christensen’s are Broadleaf Evergreens, flower in the spring, stay leafed out all year, and start the process over again. (We do not stock deciduous Azaleas anymore but if you need them, we will get you some.)
'Boursault' Rhododendron
Those most commonly recognized as “Large Leaf” Rhododendron can be monsters in their natural habitat, the Mid Atlantic. They do not actually have a final height or width as they will continue to grow and grow. I have seen massive ones traveling through Pennsylvania (it’s kinda hard to tell the exact size at 80MPH!). The cultivars that we sell here are some of the hardiest. We stick to H1 hybrids (H1=hardy to -25°F, occasionally a few H2’s arrive and they are hardy to -15°F, after that, we shy away!). ‘Edith Bosely’ is one of my favorites with a deep purple flower.
I also like ‘Boursault’, again another purple flower (heading towards pink). ‘Boursault’ is a Rhododendron catawbiense hybrid and is short. It will reach 5-6’ max. Both are those hardier H1 hybrids.
'Karen' 'Rosebud Double Light Pink' 'Hino Crimson
All Azaleas are Rhododendron… But not all Rhododendron are Azaleas. And, what would spring be without them? My favorite here is not your favorite (I can tell!!). ‘Elsie Lee’ is mine with huge purple trusses. The plant will reach 4-5’. Your favorites, based on sales, are ‘Karen” (Lavender, 3-4’), ‘Rosebud’ (small plant 2-4’ with pink flowers), and ‘Hino Crimson’ (2-4’ with deep red flowers). Oh yeah, you guys like ‘Stewartstonians’ also (4-5’ with deep red flowers).
(Sometimes I do question your tastes!!)
'Elsie Lee' Azalea
'PJM Elite' Rhododendron
Last on my list of Rhododendrons is the small-leafed “PJM”. ( FYI: PJM is a series developed by Peter J. Mezitt and his son in the 1930s to be exceptionally winter hardy.) They are getting very hard to find. Sometimes we get ‘PJM’, ‘PJM Elite’, or ‘PJM Regal’. They are all very similar and can work interchangeably. All have the same ‘PJM’ flowers and will reach 3-5’.
'Hino Crimson' Azalea
All Rhododendrons are planted for those flowers. I hear complaints about “Rhodies” not doing well after the first year or not flowering well after the first year. I am here to tell you WHY!!! Those great big, huge, long blooming flowers drain the plant of any strength it had! Not only will keeping your “Rhodo’s” well-fed produce more flowers, but it will help the plant with overwintering. Giving it strength to maintain those flower buds all winter long until WOW! Speaking of which – Remember “Rhodo’s” produce the flower buds just after blooming this year. If you need to prune your “Rhodies”, do so just after they flower.
One last note about Rhododendrons. They like very acidic soils. Top dressing them with peat a couple times a year will not only help to acidify the soil but by acidifying the soil the plant is able to take up more nutrients, therefore more flowers!! WIN-WIN.
Gotta go and find more ‘PJM’s’ and probably ‘Stewartstonians”!
'Edith Bosley'
