2006 Rhododendron of the Year Awards

Elepidote Rhododendron: 'Bellringer' Parentage unknown 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 5 ft. tall in 10 years. Hardy to -5° F (-21° C). Hybridized by Consolini.
	Photo by Donald Hyatt

	Lepidote Rhododendron: 'PJM Elite' R. minus var. minus Carolinianum Group x R. dauricum Sempervirens Group 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 4 ft. tall in 10 years. Cold hardy to -25º F (-32º C). Hybridized by Mezitt.
Photo by Harold Greer

Evergreen Azalea: 'Elsie Lee' R. 'Desiree' x R. 'Rosebud' 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 height of 3 ft. in 10 years. Hardy to -15° F (-26° C). Hybridized by Shammarello.
	Photo by Henk Borsje


	Deciduous Azalea: 'Homebush' Parentage unknown Flower vivid purplish pink on a base of rose madder, 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 yrs. Cold hardy to 0° F (-18° C). Hybridized by Waterer (Knaphill).
Photo by Sally and John Perkins