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Jackson, NJ 08527

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Rhododendron » Rhododendron (lepidote - Small Leaved)
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Rhododendron (lepidote - Small Leaved)
LEPIDOTES (SMALLER LEAVED) We grow a large variety of lepidotes at RareFind Nursery and also are growing a great number of seedlings for evaluation. For those of you new to rhododendrons, the name literally means “scaly leafed,” as opposed to the other more familiar category, the elepidotes (“leaves without scales”). The scales usually appear to the naked eye as miniscule, usually brownish dots on the undersides of the leaves. The leaves are often highly aromatic when crushed, with a pine-like or clove-like scent, and are usually smaller than those of most elepidotes; common examples are the PJM Group. In contrast, typical examples of elepidotes are 'Roseum Elegans' and 'Nova Zembla.' As a general rule, the lepidotes appreciate more sun than the elepidotes, are smaller growing, and exhibit much diversity in leaf size and shape. They can be evergreen or deciduous, although most are evergreen. Some lepidotes are the earliest rhodies to bloom, such as hybrids and forms of the species R. dauricum and R. mucronulatum. Others can be among the last to bloom in June, such as R. minus var. chapmanii. Hardy types for the eastern US can be found in a wide array of colors, excepting red, although breeding work is progressing and coming close. Lepidotes are often mistaken for azaleas because the leaves and plants are often of similar sizes; the key is that azalea leaves never have scales, are usually hairy, and thinner textured. Although not as well known as the elepidotes (or large- leafed rhododendrons), we believe lepidotes should enjoy wider use in the garden. First, many bloom over the several weeks prior to the main elepidote season, creating a much longer display of bloom for the garden. Second, they tend to be smaller growing and can more readily find a place in today's smaller gardens. Lepidotes are much more sun tolerant than most elepidotes, and grow best in brighter situations. They also exhibit a great variety of plant forms, from tiny “buns” with diminutive leaves for the rock garden to larger-leafed mounds of color with leaves up to 4 inches long on plants up to 6 ft or more in height. Finally, lepidotes have a charm that is different from the huge, spectacular trusses of the elepidotes and can be used effectively by the discriminating gardener. We have been involved with hardy lepidotes for many years and have amassed a large collection. In addition to Hank's selections, breeders well represented include Dave Lewis, formerly of Colt's Neck, New Jersey, the Mezitts of Weston Nurseries in cold Massachusetts, the late Weldon Delp of western Pennsylvania, Frank Furman of New Jersey, and Warren Berg of Washington state. Berg named his now world famous hybrid 'Ginny Gee' for Hank's wife Ginny. Try a few! Enough botany, on to the plants. KEY TO LISTINGS: 'Name' • bud hardiness • (parentage) • hybridizer and/or introducer • 10 year size Size measurements are horizontal for low growing plants. [Size preceded by an asterisk (*) indicates a 6 to 11 gallon plant]

RHODODENDRON 'Alice Swift'
(C8) 'Alice Swift' is a good grower with pink flowers; less lavender than PJM, and is clothed with the handsome leaves of its Carolinianum parent that remain green in winter. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Angel Powder'
(C8) Large white flowers with a subtle pink blush and light pink spotting. The plant is a medium grower with larger leaves like carolinianum. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Arsen's Amber Lantern'
(C) Yellow flowers with a tinge of pink cover this early blooming (late April to early May) rhododendron. Leaves are a medium green and small on a compact plant. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Arsen's Pink'
(C8) This compact globe covers itself with very soft pink flowers. Foliage is dark green. Very floriferous more info

RHODODENDRON 'Bluenose'
(C8) It has lavender-blue flowers. A curious feature of this plant is that the new growth is bright yellow, later turning to a healthy dark green. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Brandywine'
Mid-April flowers are small, soft pink in bud, opening rose with a lighter center. Small leaves cover an open and willowy plant. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Bubblegum'
(C8) Has single, pink flowers with small foliage and showy red stems. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Caramou'
(C) 'Caramou' forms a compact mound of green leaves that will not get over 4 feet in 10 years. It blooms profusely with waxy pure white flowers. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Carolina Rose'
(C8) Covers itself with small bright pink blooms. This is one of the latest of the small leaved rhododendrons to bloom, waiting until late May. Has good sun tolerance. Open, upright habit, foliage has a slight twist with reddish stems. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Dawn's Early Light'
(C8) It's a compact and full plant, with large blooms of barium yellow with a touch of green, that are much earlier and larger than any of our other keiskei. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Fairy Mary'
(C8) One of the best and hardiest of the Yaku Fairy hybrids. Forms a tight bun similar to 'Ginny Gee', but more white in color, sometimes tinged with light yellow and pink. Very dark bronze foliage in winter. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Faisa'
(C8) The flowers are a smoky lavender-blue. Brown scales cover the small, 1.5–2 inch leaves, giving a bronzy appearance to the foliage. Faisa' has a dense compact, upright form, with no pruning required. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Frigid Princess'

RHODODENDRON 'Gertrude Saxe'
(C8) Big trusses of clear pink flowers that are softer and easier on the eye than those of 'Aglo' and 'Olga Mezitt'. Her habit is upright and rounded. Foliage is olive-green and a bit larger than that of other small-leaved Rhododendrons. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Ginny Gee'
(C8) Two-toned pink flowers which fade to pink-white totally cover this dwarf, small leafed plant which is both heat and cold resistant. Foliage turns dark maroon in the winter. more info