Rhododendron of the Year Plant Awards: 2023 South Central USA Region |
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Elepidote Rhododendron: 'Gomer Waterer' Flower white flushed mauve-pink at the edges with yellow-brown flare in the upper lobe, openly funnel-shaped, about 3" across. Held in dome-shaped truss of up to 24 flowers. Blooms late midseason to late. Leaves ovate to oblong-obovate, thick and leathery, about 4¾" long, re-curved, slightly glossy, deep green. Spreading habit. Heat resistant and sun tolerant. Typical height: 6 ft. in 10 years. Densely branched, rounded and upright plant habit. Plant is cold hardy to -15°F (-26°C). Hybridized by J. Waterer. |
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Lepidote Rhododendron: 'Checkmate' Flower strong purple to strong reddish purple, openly funnel-shaped, wavy edged, 1⅛" across. Ball-shaped truss holds 15 flowers. Blooms early midseason. Leaves oblong, flat, acute apex, cuneate base, 2" long, bullate and semi-glossy above, with scales below, retained 3 years. Dense plant habit. Grows to a typical height of 2 ft. in 10 years. Plant is hardy to 5°F (-15°C). Hybridized at Weston Nurseries. |
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Evergreen Azalea: 'Festive' Flower white spotted, flecked and occasionally striped strong to vivid purplish red, openly funnel-shaped, single, 2" to 2½" across. Inflorescence 2-4 flowered. Blooms early midseason. Leaves elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, ½"-¾" long, light green. Upright, slightly spreading plant habit. Grows to a height of about 6 ft. in 10 yrs. Hardy to -5° F (-21° C). Hybridized by Morrison. |
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Deciduous Azalea: 'Candy Lights' Flower inside light purplish pink, outside tube vivid purplish red, tubular funnel-shaped, 2"-2⅜" across, strongly scented. Dome-shaped truss has 8-10 flowers. Blooms midseason. Leaves elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, flat margins; 2⅜"-2¾" long, semi-glossy, moderate olive green, with white hairs scattered on leaf above and on veins below, deciduous. Grows to a typical height of 4-5 ft. in 10 years. Upright, arching plant habit. Bud hardy to -30°F (-34°C). Hybridized at University of Minnesota. |
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Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of Monrovia Nursery, Harold Greer, Tijs Huisman, courtesy of U. Minnesota |
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Prior Years Selections for South Central USA Region
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