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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 '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 'June Pink'
One of our latest blooming lepidotes, June in MA where it originated, but late May here in NJ. Clear pink flowers on a slow-growing, compact plant. 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'
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 R.keiskei and rays of salmon pink from R.racemosum produce a unique bisque yellow effect. It has attractive bronzy winter foliage. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Midnight Ruby'
Early flowering. Compact, wide and upright growing. Red-purple flowers in late April. Green foliage all summer turns a distinctive black-bronze for winter. Very effective planted in combination with yellow or blue foliaged conifers. 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

RHODODENDRON 'Mrs. J.A. Withington III'
Light lavender fully double flowers with frilly petals cover this plant. Foliage is bronze in winter and medium green in summer. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Northern Starburst'
(C8) Think of PJM on steroids: larger flowers (typical bright lavender color), heavier leaves, which are black in winter, and tree-like stems. It grows tighter, and slower than PJM and in a mound. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Olga Mezitt'
(C8) Basically, this is PJM in a clear, true bright pink. It blooms about two weeks later than PJM, with a wonderful dark reddish-bronze fall foliage display as well. more info

RHODODENDRON 'Pikeland'
(C8) In late April, its compact mound is covered with pale pink to white flowers with darker spotting. Always a reliable bloomer, 'Pikeland' can take the heat and sun. more info