American Rhododendron Society Web Site ARS
navigation menu background

Rhododendron of the Year Plant Awards: 2006


Mid-Atlantic USA Region

R. 'Bellringer'

Elepidote Rhododendron: 'Bellringer'

Flower light greenish yellow with a brown freckled flare that fades to yellow green, openly funnel-shaped, wavy edges, 3¼" across, fragrant.  Held in dome-shaped trusses of 17 flowers.  An early midseason bloomer.  Leaves elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, 5½" long, flat, dull green, retained 2-3 years.  Spreading, dense growth habit.  Grows to approximately 5 ft. tall in 10 years.  Hardy to -5°F (-21°C).  Hybridized by Consolini.

 
R. 'PJM Elite'

Lepidote Rhododendron: 'PJM Elite'

Flower strong reddish purple, openly funnel-shaped, wavy lobed, 1½" across.  Flat, ball-shaped truss holds 10-15 flowers.  An early bloomer that tolerates sun as well as both heat and cold.  Bright green leaves turn a mahogany color in winter, elliptic in shape, 1¼" to 2" long.  Upright, dense growth habit.  Grows to about 4 ft. tall in 10 years.  Cold hardy to -25ºF (-32ºC).  Hybridized by Mezitt.

 
R. 'Elsie Lee'

Evergreen Azalea: 'Elsie Lee'

Flower light reddish purple, widely funnel-shaped, 2¼" to 2½" across, frilly edges, semi-double.  Inflorescence 2 to 3 flowered.  Blooms late midseason.  Leaves broadly elliptic, acute apex, rounded base, 1½" long, glossy, moderate yellow-green, held for 2 years.  Upright, broad plant habit.  Grows to a typical height of 3 ft. in 10 years.  Cold temperature hardy to -15°F (-26°C).  Hybridized by Shammarello.

 
R. 'Homebush'

Deciduous Azalea: 'Homebush'

Flower vivid purplish pink on a base of vivid purplish red, openly funnel-shaped, slightly recurved lobes, about 1⅛" across, semi-double.  Tight, ball-shaped truss with 12-16 flowers.  Holds color well in sun.  Blooms late midseason.  Leaves elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, light green.  Upright, open growth habit.  Grows to a typical height of 6 ft. in 10 years.  Cold hardy to 0°F (-18°C).  Hybridized by Waterer (Knaphill).

Photos (top to bottom) by Donald Hyatt, Harold Greer, Henk Borsje, Sally and John Perkins.

Prior Years Selections for Mid-Atlantic USA Region

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

 

2005

2004


American Rhododendron Society
P.O. Box 43, Craryville, NY 12521
Ph: 631-533-0375   E-Mail: member@arsoffice.org
©1998-2024, ARS, All rights reserved.