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Rhododendron » Rhododendron (lepidote - Small Leaved)
52 items found. Click on photo/text link for more information on any product.
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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]
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RHODODENDRON minus carolinianum group (pink)
(C8) A native small-leaved rhododendron, it grows compact in the sun and open in the shade. Flower color is pink and it is a clonal form of the species. Good drainage is essential to success. more info
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RHODODENDRON minus carolinianum group (white)
(C8) A native small-leaved rhododendron, it grows compact in the sun and open in the shade. Flower color is white and it is a white clonal form of the species. Good drainage is essential to success. more info
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RHODODENDRON minus carolinianum group seedlings
(C8) From Ed Connors' beautiful "best white" and pink to light lavendar seedlings from the form known as 'Jackson's Robust'. more info
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RHODODENDRON minus var. chapmanii
Grows low and compact with rugose twisted dark green leaves and looks good throughout the year. Its flowers are similar to minus, but in shades of true pink. more info
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RHODODENDRON mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink'
(C8) A clear light pink and the first mucronulatum which expanded the color range beyond lavender. more info
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RHODODENDRON mucronulatum seedlings
(C8) Our own seed-grown selections, typical of the taller willowy lavender flowered forms. A beautiful addition to the early spring landscape! more info
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RHODODENDRON tomentosum (formerly ledum) 'Milky Way'
(C) 'Milky Way' covers itself with rounded trusses of pure white flowers in mid-spring. While each individual saucer-shaped flower is small, they are grouped in six or seven individual trusses containing up to 20 flowers each. more info
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