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RareFindNursery.com
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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 'Hank's Mellow Yellow'
(C8) It completely covers itself with open-faced, yellow flowers; foliage turns bronzy in the fall. Can take sun. The habit is that of a flat ground cover. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Hindsight'
(C8) It is a rather large leaf, "small leaf" (lepidote) with lavender-pink flowers. The habit is full and robust. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Isola Bella'
(C8) The flowers are pale pink fading to white, faint yellow to green spotting on three dorsal lobes. Leaves are glossy, dark green. In autumn the inside, non-persistent leaves change to shades of yellow to deep red. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Jay Murray'
Named for our North American Registrar of Plant Names. A late April blooming medium growing lepidote with shiny dark foliage. Its extra large wavyedged pink flowers are borne profusely in trusses of 4–6. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Joseph Dunn'
(C8) An upright growing, compact lepidote that covers itself with a profusion of bright pink flowers in mid-May. ( 'Joseph Dunn' blooms later than most lepidotes.) more info

RHODODENDRON 'Joshua Huddy'
(C8) The deep violet buds open to mid-purple flowers. The color is exceptional. Flowers are wavy edged and held in small ball trusses of 6 to 10. Dark green leaves are flat and two inches long. more info

RHODODENDRON 'June Bee'
(C8) A compact grower that is, in effect, a white 'Ginny Gee'. Even though a dwarf, it is still a vigorous grower and reliable in both heat and cold. Rarely offered. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Karin Seleger'
(C8) This is a great little plant, having clear bright purple-violet flowers. The growth habit is very dense and compact. New leaves are bright green. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Landmark'
(C8) Up close, the color is an intense, deep fuchsia-pink, but should be thought of as a "almost red". Foliage turns bronzy black in winter. Vase-shaped and fully clothed. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Lavender Cushion' AKA 'Winkler D-67'
(C8) Because of its compact growth habit and interesting foliage, many buy it without seeing the flowers. Frankly, the flowers are not spectacular but are a medium shade of lavender. It is a dwarf that forms a very dense low mound. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Lilac Crest'
(C8) Fully double white flowers with a blush of lilac on the tips that mimics little rosebuds. This very vigorous, upright growing plant has semi-evergreen leaves. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Manitou'
(C8) A compact plant, it has pink flowers that deepen in color with age. It is similar to the famous 'Windbeam' but with bigger flowers and a better habit. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Mary Fleming'
(C8) Pale yellow from keiski and rays of salmon pink from racemosum produce a unique bisque yellow effect. It has attractive bronzey winter foliage. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Mindaura'
(C8) Flowers are lavender pink. Plant is very compact and dense growing. Foliage is dark mahogany in winter and a pleasing matte green in summer. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Molly Fordham'
(C8) Think of this as a white PJM-type rhododendron, but covered with trusses of exceptional white flowers and set off by dark green and glossy foliage. Growth habit is compact and upright. more info