D/L The RFN Catalog Part #1 - Rhododendrons - Rare Find Nursery

Hamamelis japonica 

‘Shibamichi Red’ 

Hamamelis ‘Jelena’ 

2013 

Catalog 

Hamamelis mollis ‘Wisley Supreme’ Hamamelis ‘Diane’ 

Retail • Mail Order 

Phone: 732-833-0613 

www.rarefindnursery.com 

for online ordering 

Catalog prices valid until 6/30/2013

table of Contents 

Exclusive for 2013 from RareFind ......... inside front cover 

2012: A New Beginning...................................................1 

A Few Notes & Reminders ..............................................1 

Rarefind Nursery’s Staff...................................................2 

We Take Pride in Our Plants and Packing Too ................ 3 

Rhododendrons...............................................................4 

Criteria for Success with Rhododendrons ....................12 

Azaleas ..........................................................................13 

Gift Certificates..............................................................20 

The Best Metal Tags......................................................20 

Trees & Shrubs .............................................................. 21 

Cherry Grove Farm........................................................46 

Vines & Ramblers ..........................................................47 

Native Plants .................................................................48 

Conifers .........................................................................49 

Perennials......................................................................51 

Come Visit! ....................................................................61 

Pitcher Plants ................................................................62 

Build-a-Bog Workshops................................................64 

“Bog-in-a-Box” Kit ........................................................64 

Grasses & Grass-Like Plants.........................................65 

Hit Parade of Top 25 Rhododendrons...........................67 

Tree & Shrub Planting Guide ......................................... 68 

Ordering Information .....................................................70 

Order Form ....................................................................71 

Directions & Hours ........................................................72 

USDA Hardiness Zone Map ..................inside back cover 

New Plants ...................................................... back cover 

A 2012 visitor to RareFind Nursery 

eXClUsive for 2013 

froM rarefinD nUrsery 

We’re proud to introduce these special plants for 2013! 

Ilex ‘Governor Joel Parker’ (p. 36) 

Illicium ‘Zodiac’ (p. 37) 

Clethra alnifolia 

‘Batsto Blush’ (p. 26) 

Sarracenia x 

Green Dragon (p. 63) 

Sarracenia x 

Green Prince (p. 63)

2012: A NEW BEGINNING 

This is an exciting time for RareFind: The nursery has 

undergone a welcome rebirth over the past year. On June 28, 

2012, RareFind Nursery was purchased by Oliver Hamill. Like 

many of us, Oliver is a self-described “plant nut.” He grew up 

spending many hours in his grandmother’s wildflower garden 

in Central New Jersey, which began a lifelong exploration of 

woodlands and wild places, both local and abroad. Oliver 

practiced landscape design for many years, and is currently 

a managing partner and one of the owners of Cherry Grove 

Farm in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. (Page 46) 

Like many who discover RareFind Nursery, Oliver was 

delighted to find a source for some of the unusual, 

hard-to-find plants he had seen in the wild throughout his life. 

When the opportunity to buy RareFind presented itself, Oliver 

could not resist. His decision has not only kept the nursery 

intact, but has ensured that RareFind will continue to 

contribute to the horticultural richness of the Garden 

State—and beyond. 

RareFind Nursery has already undergone significant changes 

under Oliver’s leadership: We’ve constructed new 

greenhouses that will increase and improve our productivity. 

We plan to do more advertising to increase our customer 

base. We’ll be attending more offsite events in 2013 to make 

it easier for our customers to communicate and learn more 

about us. We’ve made improvements in the RareFind catalog 

and we’ll be getting it out earlier than ever before. We’re 

looking at all aspects of our business, making improvements 

wherever necessary to improve our customers’ experience 

and produce an even better product. And of course, we’ll 

keep you apprised of the changes and improvements as they 

occur during the year. As always, we welcome your feedback. 

The experienced, longstanding nursery team at RareFind has 

been strengthened by Oliver’s involvement. With your 

continued support, RareFind Nursery will continue to grow 

and offer rare, unusual, and forgotten plants that you’ll never 

see at your local garden center. We look forward to your 

visits over the coming year, and sincerely hope that 2013 will 

prove to be a good year for all of us. 

irv Paulus 

General Manager 

RareFind Nursery officially opens on Saturday, March 16, 

2013 and closes November 30, 2013. 

To accommodate our nursery customers and visitors, we will 

be open five (5) Sundays during the busy Spring season. The 

Sundays when we will be open are: March 17th, April 7th, 

April 21th, May 5th, and May 19th. 

We’ve made improvements to the catalog again: 

We’ve color coded the different plant categories to make them 

easier to locate, and plant descriptions are always to the right 

of the picture. “New Plants” are also featured in the catalog. 

Gift Certificates now have an expiration date to comply with 

New Jersey regulations. They are valid for two (2) years from 

date of purchase. 

We will be traveling to several off-site events: MANTS in 

Baltimore in early January, Plant-O-Rama in Brooklyn in late 

January, Ladew Gardens in Baltimore in May, Earthly 

Delights in May/June and PHS at the Philadelphia Naval Yard 

in September. Check our website for other locations and 

specific dates for these events. 

Elepidote Rhododendrons 

Lepidote Rhododendrons 

Deciduous Azaleas 

Evergreen Azaleas 

Trees & Shrubs 

Vines & Ramblers 

Conifers 

Perennials 

Pitcher Plants 

Grass & Grass-like Plants 

pg. 1

RAREFIND NURSERYÕS STAFF 

RareFind NurseryÕs staff consists of a small group of 

dedicated plant enthusiasts who are fundamentally 

concerned about growing superior plants and getting them 

to our customersÕ gardens in excellent condition. This year, 

in addition to their individual academic experience, each 

staff member has written a brief offering of some of their 

favorite plants. 

JASON AUSTIN: BS in Ornamental Horticulture from 

Delaware Valley College. 

ÒSarracenia purpurea, or purple pitcher plant is a perennial 

that may not work directly in the garden, but growing 

carnivorous plants in containers has become all the rage here 

at RareFind. We have a diverse array of seed-grown plants 

from many secret spots in the Pine Barrens that represent a 

cross-section of local variation and adaptability. Any sunny 

spot in your yard would be great for a small bog garden where 

you could combine not just carnivorous plants, but orchids, 

cranberries, and myriad other rarities only offered at RareFind 

Nursery. Another plant would be Pycnanthemum torreyi, or 

TorreyÕs mountain mint. This plant is native to a very specific 

cliffside niche in New Jersey, with only one or two locations 

remaining. It grows in gravelly sands and rock outcroppings 

with little or no soil holding it in place. With these types of soils 

prominent throughout New Jersey, here is a rugged yet 

beautiful perennial that needs no special coddling.Ó 

ANNE HAINES: BS in horticulture from Rutgers and an 

MS in Entomology from the University of Florida. 

ÒThere are some plants that have endeared themselves to me 

because of certain characteristics like fragrance, color or 

unusual time of bloom. I really like the perennial Lithodora 

ÔGrace WardÕ because itÕs a beautiful bright blue color, 

blooms for a long time and deer donÕt eat it! For fragrance, 

Gardenia ÔChuck HayesÕ and ÔCrown JewelÕ are hard to beat. 

The flowers are lovely, creamy white set off by shiny 

evergreen leaves. The deciduous azalea ÔLemon LightsÕ is a 

winner because it is the only one I know that re-blooms in the 

fall, and it is fragrant as well, with pretty lemon-yellow 

flowers. Almost all hydrangeas are favorites of mine, but 

thereÕs a viburnum, V. macrocephalum, that looks just like a 

white mophead hydrangea! It starts out green and turns 

white, sometimes re-blooming in the fall.Ó 

KATHERINE ÒKITTYÓ HLUBIK: BS in Plant Science 

from the University of Delaware. 

ÒPlants that offer dark crimson or maroon leaf color have 

always attracted my attention. Loropetalum chinense var. 

rubrum has proven to be a winner in my garden. It retains the 

pg. 2 

dark maroon foliage color all year. Hot pink flowers welcome 

the onset of spring. The growth habit is upright with strong 

ascending branches, and the plant hasnÕt yet tempted the 

large deer population on our farm to even taste it. It was 

labeled ÒChinese FuchsiaÓ when purchased several years 

ago so we really donÕt know its true name. It would look 

stunning planted with the bright chartreuse evergreen, 

Illicium parviflorum ÔFlorida SunshineÕ.Ó 

IRVING ÒIRVÓ J PAULUS: BS in Economics from 

Wheeling and MBA in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson 

University. 

ÒI like Lunaria annua, also known as Money Plant.Ó 

RON RABIDEAU: BS in Plant & Soil Science from the 

University of Massachusetts. 

ÒI see lots of plants come and go through the nursery. In 

order to hold my attention over the long term a plant has to 

impress me on many levels. The hybrid Calycanthus 

ÔHartlage WineÕ is one such plant. It has a hybrid vigor that is 

unrivaled: this plant can put on at least three feet a season. 

Large, semidouble, four-inch goblet flowers the color of 

Merlot cover the plant in May as the large rounded leaves 

unfurl. Throughout the summer occasional flowers appear 

here and there. The large leaves and flowers lend a tropical 

effect to northern gardens. A similar plant new this year is 

Calycanthus ÔAphroditeÕ. It has all the same attributes plus 

the promise of fragrant flowers.Ó 

A WILLIAM ÒBILLÓ SMITH: Teaching degree from 

Glassboro State College. 

ÒAmong the 70 cultivars in my collection of Witch Hazels, 

Hamamelis ÔAuroraÕ is a favorite. Its fragrant flowers are the 

largest in the genus, plus it has good fall leaf color. Another 

favorite is the pitcher plant ÔGreen DragonÕ. I hybridized this 

plant using the all green form of our native Saraccenia 

purpurea crossed with a hybrid Sarracenia ÔGreen MonsterÕ.Ó 

JERRY VANDE SANDE: BA in English from Rutgers. 

ÒMy plan for my own garden is to have something going on 

throughout the year. Of major interest to me are the various 

forms of Rhododendrons that bloom over a 7-month season 

starting in March. The lepidotes start the season and 

dauricums lead the pack and sometimes sichotense blooms 

even earlier. Later the big-leafed elepidotes come into their 

own. Formosanum is a very early one but the king of the 

early hybrids has to be the bright red ÔTaurus.Õ One perennial 

that really impresses me is the grass Muhlenbergia whose 

pink cloud of seed heads lasts into the winter. A 

well-planned garden from my perspective means never 

waiting for the right season.Ó

We taKe PriDe in oUr Plants anD PaCKinG too! 

ABOUT OUR PLANTS 

RareFind Nursery wants to offer its customers good value 

for the money they spend. That means good-sized, healthy 

plants with large root systems. Most of our plants are grown 

right here at the nursery, but we obtain some plants from 

other specialty nurseries as well. Many of the plants we 

offer are not available anywhere else, so we must propagate 

them ourselves. Generally it takes from 1 to 2 years (or at 

least 2 growing seasons) to produce a plant from a cutting. 

We ask for your patience in obtaining more of plants that are 

out of stock. 

PLANT SIZES 

Although we do not generally specify container sizes in 

the catalog, most of the plants we ship (with the exception 

of perennials) are grown in a 1, 2 or 3 gallon pot. PLANT 

SIZES SHOWN IN THE CATALOG / WEBSITE DO NOT 

INCLUDE THE ROOT BALL. We try to be conservative when 

measuring plants so that you may well receive a larger plant 

than you ordered. 

Our plants are usually larger than those of our competitors, 

but at a similar price. We feel larger plants have significant 

advantages: 

• they ship better than those in smaller containers 

• their larger root systems transplant and establish 

themselves easier 

• they tolerate adverse garden conditions better than 

plants with smaller root systems 

WE DO NOT SHIP BARE ROOT PLANTS! 

We are sometimes asked if our trees and shrubs are shipped 

bare root. NO!!! All our shrubs and trees are shipped with 

an established root ball and evidence of viability. A few 

perennials may be shipped bare root, but they are the 

exception rather than the rule. 

PLANT AVAILABILITY AND PRICING 

Catalog prices are based upon the expected size of the 

plants available for spring shipment. Most plants are in stock 

when the catalog is written. All plants are subject to prior sale. 

We will reserve plants for spring shipment on a “first come, 

first serve” basis, and quantities may be limited, so ORDER 

EARLY! Prices are subject to change after June 30, 2013. You 

may use the catalog listings when ordering after that date 

and we will notify you of any size or price adjustments. We do 

not substitute unless you instruct us to do so. 

PACKING 

We take great pride in our packing, and appreciate the many 

positive notes we receive about the great condition in which 

our plants arrive. Plants are removed from their container, 

loose soil is removed, the root balls are wrapped in plastic 

and the tops in paper. Some smaller plants are shipped in 

their containers. We ship large plants (up to 4-5' trees) in 

reinforced boxes. There is an extra charge of $20.00 for 

larger plants that require oversized boxes, indicated by 

“oversized shipping” or “add extra shipping” in the plant size 

in the catalog. 

OUR GUARANTEE (IT’S SIMPLE): 

If you are unhappy with anything we do, please let us 

know. We will endeavor to make it right! We guarantee 

our plants for one growing season after purchase. Please 

let us know as soon as possible if you experience any 

problems or have questions. We assume our customers 

will be conscientious in planting and care, but we are 

not responsible for conditions beyond our control (such 

as site conditions, weather, damage by animals, 

lawnmowers and acts of God.) 

EXTRA LARGE RHODODENDRONS 

(AND OTHER PLANTS) 

In addition to our 1 and 3 gallon rhododendrons, we carry a 

wide range of 7 and 15 gallon and “balled-and-burlapped” 

(B&B) rhododendrons—most of which are in the 2-4 foot 

range. These are newer or choice varieties which are difficult, 

if not impossible, to obtain elsewhere. 

We also have a selection of other plants in larger sizes, including 

Japanese maples, magnolias, redbuds and dogwoods. Most 

of these larger plants are not listed in this catalog as they are 

too large to ship. If you need a special plant for that special 

spot, please visit our website or call. 

pg. 3

RHODODENDRONS 

Rhododendron ÔPurple ReignÕ 

pg. 4

'Anah Kruschke' to 'Charles Loomis' 

$$plantID:1345$$ %%catName:Elepidote Rhododendrons%% 

Rhododendron 'Anah Kruschke' 

(ponticum X unknown). Kruschke. A great, 

dependable landscape plant, hardy and sun-tolerant. 

It has a compact growth habit with shiny dark green 

leaves. A mid to late season bloomer, the tight 

trusses of 3" flowers are light lavender with a 

deeper-colored blotch, set off by white anthers. 

Zones 5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

18-24", 3 gal $65.00 


Rhododendron 'Anita Gehnrich' 

('The Hon. Jean Marie de Montague' X 

yakushimanum). Waldman. Has the same parents 

as 'Solidarity,' however there are a few differences 

between them. Her leaves are smaller, as are her 

flowers and she has a lower, more spreading growth 

habit. Both have very dark green foliage of heavy 

substance and are first-rate plants. Zones 5 - 8. H: 

3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

15-18", B&B $75.00 | 24-30", B&B, add 

extra shipping $150.00 


Rhododendron 'Barmstedt' 

('Sammetglut' X yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada'). 

Hachmann. Rosy-red flowers with darker edges 

holds their color well and are displayed beautifully on 

a low-growing mound with recurved dark green 

leaves. Buds young and is perhaps the best overall 

grower of the Hachmann introductions. Named in 

honor of Herr Hachmann's home town in Germany. 

Looks great even when not in bloom! Zones 5-7. H: 

3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

18-24", 3 gal $65.00 


Rhododendron 'Bear Claw' 

(bureavii X yakushimanum or reverse).This "bear" 

and a number of his relatives live in our "woodsy" 

display garden. All have coats of brown indumentum 

under the leaves, new growth covered in fuzzy 

wuzzy fur. Aptly named, this one holds its leaves in 

an upright fashion, each with a slight twist like a 

claw.Early pink buds open to white flowers in a full 

truss. Zones 6 - 5. H: 2-3 ft · W: 2-3 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Bellefontaine' 

(fortunei x smirnowii). (Kentville Research Station, 

Nova Scotia). Bred in Canada to take cold weather, 

but appreciated south of the border too! Blooms in 

mid to late May, with up to 10 large flowers per truss. 

Flowers are rose-opal in bud opening to a lavenderrose 

in the throat and shading to a lighter color at the 

edges. Exceptional dark green leaves on a 

mounded, heavily branched plant. Zones 5b-7. H: 

5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

10-15" 1 gal. $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Bellringer' 

(wardii x fortunei). Consolini. Raised by Dexter's 

head gardener, 'Bellringer' has creamy flowers with a 

strong yellow blotch. Unlike many plants with yellow 

genes that tend to have lighter green foliage, it 

develops into an erect, well-shaped plant with shiny 

dark green leaves. An excellent plant for a midseason 

spot of color. Stand back, it wants to grow! 

Zones 5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

15-18", 1 gal $35.00 


Rhododendron 'Brown Eyes' 

(unknown). Dexter/Bosley. A spectacular Dexter 

offspring 'Brown Eyes' is a classic, with large pink 

flower trusses set off by a strong bronze flare. It's 

very hardy and blooms in the early midseason. Deep 

green and glossy curved leaves make this an eyecatching 

complement to your garden. This has 

proven one of the best all-around growers. Zones 

5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

10-15" 1 gal. $30.00 | 18-24" 3 gal. $60.00 

ELEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS 


Rhododendron 'Bud's Yellow' 

[('Inca Gold' x yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada') x 

wardii] x 'Dexter's Orange'. Arsen/Gehnrich. A 

compact-growing plant with nice yellow flowers and 

glossy leaves that has been pretty hardy for us- be 

adventurous, try it and see how it does! Bred by 

Frank Arsen, grown and named by Bud Gehnrich. 

Very limited quantity available. 

15-18", 2 gal $55.00 


Rhododendron 'Cadis' 

('Caroline' X fortunei ssp. discolor). Gable. Widely 

considered to be among Gable's best! One of the 

last to bloom in our midseason (May 25), 'Cadis' 

puts on a floriferous show with its fragrant ruffled 

light-pink trusses sparked by a yellow throat. A 

medium to large plant with distinctive long narrow 

leaves and a dome-shaped habit, making it a 

garden feature year round. Zones 5-8. H: 6-7 

ft · W: 6-7 ft 

10-15", 1 gal. $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Calsap' 

('Catalgla' X 'Sappho'). Michener. A show stopper! 

'Calsap' combines the hardiness of 'Catalgla' with 

'Sappho' to produce a super hardy, upright grower. 

White flowers with a bold purple flare on the upper 

lobe in a formal truss. Sets a prodigious amount of 

seed and should be dead-headed after flowering to 

maintain vigor. Zones 4-7. H: 6-7 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

18-24", B&B $125.00 


Rhododendron 'Caroline' 

(fortunei ssp. decorum hybrid). Gable. Named for 

one of Gable's daughters, the loose trusses of 

large flowers are light orchid pink and moderately 

fragrant with narrow light green leaves. A large 

growing plant and one of the best performers for 

the East Coast. Popular for hybridizing, as recent 

research has shown it to be resistant to fungal root 

diseases. Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 3 

gal $50.00 | 24-30", 3 gal $65.00 


Rhododendron 'Catalina' 

(Unknown parentage, probably has yakushimanum 

in background). Leach. Yak heritage is apparent in 

the attractive, dense foliage with some 

indumentum. Pink flowers fade to white in the 

center, resulting in a picotee effect. The plant of 

medium mounded habit is somewhat sun tolerant. 

Leach's last pink hybrid introduction, and the folks 

at the Leach Research Station consider it to be one 

of his best. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

18-24" 3 gal. $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Cecil's Goal' 

Another heat-tolerant rhododendron, the result of 

Cecil Smith's cross of R. hyperythrum with (yak x 

R.'Bow Bells'). Attractive chocolate-brown new 

growth develops into excellent glossy foliage. Red 

buds open into pink flowers fading to white. 

Compact and full growth habit. Zones 7-8. H: 2-3 

ft · W: 2-3 ft 

10-15" 1 gal. $35.00 


Rhododendron 'Charles Loomis' 

('English Roseum' X hyperythrum).The species 

R.hyperythrum shows great heat tolerance. Our 

plant of the hybrid 'Charles Loomis' endures our 

hot summers and never shows any ill effects. Buds 

heavily, with rounded trusses emerging first as 

blush pink quickly turning white, much like a yak 

hybrid. The narrow and glossy recurved leaves are 

retained for 3-4 years. Zones 5-8. H: 3-4 ft · W: 

4-5 ft 

18-24" 3 gal. $60.00 

www.rarefindnursery.com | Jackson, NJ | Phone: 732-833-0613 | Fax: 732-833-1623 | email: support@rarefindnursery.com 

pg. 5


'Cherry Cheesecake' to 'Gigi' 

pg. 6 


Rhododendron 'Cherry Cheesecake' 

The original 'Hachmann's Charmant' is lanky with a 

sensational flower. Briggs Nursery doubled the 

chromosomes and got a compact plant with deep 

green leaves and the same flower. It's a white base 

edged with pink and large deep maroon blotch on 

the upper lobe. Still under evaluation; Warning: Not 

for beginners. Late May bloom. Zones 6-7. H: 4-5 

ft · W: 4-5 ft 

15-18", 3 gal. $65.00 


Rhododendron 'Consolini's 

Windmill' 

(unknown Dexter parents). Consolini. A stunning 

picotee-type flower, red with a broad white edge in 

each lobe. A fast grower with good habit and shiny 

foliage, it does best in a site with dappled shade. 

Always a sensation in bloom, we never seem to have 

enough of this beauty. Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 

ft 

6-10" 1 gal. $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Cynosure' 

('Essex Scarlet' x fortunei). Shapiro. The Shapiros 

considered this their best plant and many agree. A 

medium-sized plant, wider than tall that buds up 

heavily even in full shade, but also does well in sun. 

The full pink trusses in late May have a distinctive 

rust-colored flare in the throat of each flower. The 

meaning of "cynosure"? Look it up. Zones 5-8. H: 

4-5 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

10-15" 1 gal. $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Dexter's 

Champagne' 

(unknown). Dexter. A large plant of this in full bloom 

is quite a sight! The fragrant flowers are buff with 

faint highlights of pink, apricot, and yellow. The truss 

holds 14 flowers, each rather flat-faced with seven 

lobes and 4 inches across. The overall effect is one 

of . .well, a glass of champagne. Leaves are 

moderately glossy and olive green. Zones 5-8. H: 6-7 

ft · W: 6-7 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Dexter's Honeydew' 

(unknown). Dexter. Few Rhododendrons can rival 

'Dexter's Honeydew' for fragrance which fills the area 

when in full bloom. This is a medium plant that forms 

a mound wider than high. It can be sprawly, but 

pinching when young will shape it up.The large 4", 

flat faced flowers are soft pink and white. Zones 6. H: 

3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Dexter's Pink' 

(unknown). Dexter hybrid from the Everett Estate. 

Although never registered under this name, this is 

fragrant and pink, with a darker pink edge fading to a 

lighter center. The plant is a medium-large grower, 

with typical R.fortunei-type leaves. One of the best 

choices for a "pink" rhododendron. Hank considered 

this to be the same as 'Sandwich Appleblossom'. 

Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15" 1 gal. $30.00 | 18-24" 3 gal. $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Dick Brooks' 

(Dexter's Giant Red X yak, Whitney dwarf form). 

cross by C. Patterson, registered by G. Hibben. 

Humorously described as a cross between a Great 

Dane and a Chihuahua, it's an exceptionally worthy 

addition to our "kennel" of offerings. Deep pink buds 

open to large light pink flowers turning pure white 

with a contrasting red spot deep in the throat. Mattefinished 

leaves are thick and leathery with a thin 

layer of indumentum. Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Disca' 

(fortunei ssp. discolor X 'Caroline'). Gable. The 

reverse cross "little sister" of 'Cadis'. The fragrant 

frilled flowers open a pale pink that fades to white. 

As 'Disca' is later, coming into its full glory a week 

after 'Cadis', you've got a good reason to add 

'Disca' even if you already have 'Cadis.' Resistant 

to phytopthera and tolerant of sun and heat. Zones 

5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 | 10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Double Besse' 

(sport of 'Bikini Islands'). Briggs Plant Propagators. 

This gorgeous double red flower is in all probability 

a sport of 'Bikini Islands'. Introduced by Briggs 

Nursery and initially thought to be a sport from 

'Besse Howells', hence the name. Nice compact 

plant habit. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Edith Bosley' 

(Dexter/Bosley 1035 x Lee's Dark Purple). Bosley 

Nursery. This promising cultivar is worth growing. 

Color is a strong purple in bud opening to deep 

reddish purple, with dark red spotting on the upper 

lobe. Dome trusses of 12-15 open funnel-shaped 

flowers. Plant is bushy and compact; foliage is a 

dark matte green. Very limited availability. Zones 

5. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

15-18", B&B $75.00 


Rhododendron 'Edith Pride' 

('English Roseum' X maximum). Pride. Quite lovely 

in its own right, this should be better known. It 

should thrive in (almost) any frigid climate as it 

hails from western Pennsylvania. The late blooming 

flowers (it's a maximum hybrid) are light pink with a 

small white blotch in a large truss. The foliage 

always looks impeccable, reason enough to grow it. 

Zones 4-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Excelsior' 

('Koichiro Wada' X 'Kluis Sensation'). Heinje 

Nursery. Opening from deep pink buds to blushcolored 

flowers, this is a tough, durable and 

beautiful yak hybrid from Heinje Nursery in 

Germany. Leaves are thick in texture, providing an 

attractive foil for the flowers which appear later than 

most yaks. Reportedly very cold hardy-try it and let 

us know! Zones 5-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Francesca' 

('Britannia' X 'Dexter 202'). Hybrid by A. Consolini 

& A. Savella in 1971.. One of the first patented 

rhododendrons, the answer to the blue-red color of 

'Nova Zembla' which had been the hardy red for 

northern climates. 'Francesca' is tall-growing with 

buds that are almost black-red as they open. The 

flowers are a deep carmine red in a large 

spectacular truss. A great red for late midseason 

display. Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

18-24" 3 gal $65.00 


Rhododendron 'Gigi' 

(unknown x unknown). Dexter. Quite the 

showstopper and one of the few red Dexter hybrids. 

Vivid rose-red flowers, spotted with a deeper red. 

Large blooms are held in a ball-shaped truss of 

15-18 flowers. Leaves are 4 1/2" long, moderate 

olive-green, retained 3 years. Broad, dense habit. 

Prefers a shady location. Limited availability. Zones 

6-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

15-18", 1 gal $35.00 

Visit www.rarefindnursery.com for online ordering, plant descriptions and more.

'Goldflimmer' to 'Kern's Violetta' 


Rhododendron 'Goldflimmer' 

(sport of catawbiense or ponticum seedling.). 

Hobbie/Hachmann discovery. A variegated elepidote 

rhododendron! Dark green, shiny leaves on this 

compact plant are a showpiece in the garden. Each 

leaf has a consistent bright yellow splash in the 

center. The flowers are a lavender purple with a 

yellow to white blotch which complements the 

foliage. Has a rounded, dome-shaped habit. Limited 

availability. Zones 6. H: 2-3 ft · W: 2-3 ft 

15-18", B&B $75.00 


Rhododendron 'Gomer Waterer' 

(catawbiense hybrid) . Waterer . A classic from 

yesteryear, 'Gomer Waterer's rounded truss 

emerges a light lavender pink, quickly turning white 

with yellow spotting on the upper lobes. The foliage 

is dark green on a dense dome-shaped plant. A 

consistant bloomer, this has stood the test of time 

and earned a well-deserved reputation as a "good 

doer". Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

6-10" 1 gal. $25.00 | 18-24" 3 gal $55.00 


Rhododendron 'Grace Seabrook' 

('The Hon. Jean Marie de Montague' X strigillosum). 

Seabrook. One of the earliest eleps to bloom! Mid- 

April brings a "wake-you-up-in-the-spring" red, in full 

trusses of large flowers further enhanced by large 

dark green leaves. Give it a protected location in 

Zone 6 or warmer. Similar to 'Taurus', but her flower 

buds are green and she blooms about a week 

earlier. Zones 6-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 | 18-24" B&B Add extra 

shipping $125.00 


Rhododendron 'Haaga' 

(brachycarpum ssp. tigerstedtii X 'Doctor H.C. 

Dresselhuys'). Uosukainen. Bred in Finland, this is 

one hardy rhododendron! 'Haaga' is an upright 

growing, dense, medium-sized plant with dark green 

distinctive foliage. The flowers are a bright solid pink. 

The plant is a standout the entire year. Zones 3-7. H: 

4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

15-18", 1 gal $35.00 


Rhododendron 'Helen Everitt' 

(two unknown Dexter hybrids). Everitt/Fuller hybrid. 

The flowers are remarkable, but the added benefit of 

intense fragrance is the real story behind this plant. 

Stately and handsome trusses of 4" pure white and 

highly fragrant flowers are often partially double. 

Large green leaves cover a medium to large-sized 

plant. Zones 6-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

6-10" 1 gal. $25.00 | 10-15" 1 gal. $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Ingrid Mehlquist' 

('Besse Howells' X yakushimanum). Mehlquist. Frilly 

white flowers emerge from pinky-lavender buds in 

small but very full and abundant trusses. An 

exceptional rock-hardy yak hybrid with great foliage. 

The low, compact plant buds heavily from a young 

age and has been identified in scientific studies as 

being highly resistant to phytopthera (root rot 

disease). Zones 4-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18" 3 gal $55.00 


Rhododendron 'Janet Blair' 

Dexter/Leach. A perennial "good doer"! Large ruffled 

lavender-pink flowers topped off by a yellow blotch 

appear the third week of May. Parent of many lovely 

offspring, she's not only cold hardy but tolerant of 

heat and moderate shade, with glossy foliage and 

mounding habit. Dependable and attractive- just like 

the girl next door! Zones 5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 18-24", 

B&B $125.00 | 24-30", B&B, add extra 

ship. $150.00 



Rhododendron 'Joe Paterno' 

('Catawbiense Album' X 'Swansdown'). Pride. 

We've had requests for this excellent white from its 

many fans. A hardy and dependable white-flowered 

performer with a flare of bronze-yellow on the 

upper lobe. Dark green foliage on a compact, 

strong growing plant. Lanny Pride grew it north of 

Pittsburgh. Zones 5. 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Judy Spillane' 

(maximum X 'Janet Blair'). Dr. John Wister, Tyler 

Arboretum. One of the best maximum hybrids, this 

is an excellent choice to extend bloom (late Mayearly 

June). Trusses of 14 light pink flowers aging 

to creamy white are set off by a prominent yellowgreen 

blotch. Heavy flower substance stands up to 

late season heat. Olive-green leaves on a plant of 

rounded growth habit. Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 5-6 

ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Kabarett' 

('Hyperion' X 'Diadem'). Hachmann. One of our 

favorites! Spectacular light lavender flowers with a 

touch of lilac spotting and darker purple blotch, 

edged with ruffles. Deep green and very glossy 

foliage on a compact plant. A top-notch plant from 

the world-famous Hachmann Nursery in Germany 

and a standard in its color group. Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 

ft · W: 4-5 ft 

18-24" 3 gal $65.00 


Rhododendron 'Kalinka' 

('Morgenrot' X ['Mars' x yakushimanum 'Koichiro 

Wada']). Hachmann. A low-growing beautiful shrub 

with dark green, lightly indumented leaves that 

show off its yak background. This is a compact 

shrub that needs no pruning. The flowers are a 

strong rose pink that fade to lighter pink but hold 

their color better than other yakushimanum hybrids. 

Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

18-24" 3 gal $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Käthe Heinje' 

(yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada' x 'Cynthia'). Heinje 

Nursery, Germany. NEW! Abundant rounded 

trusses of ruffled soft pink flowers open from rosypink 

buds. Flowers age to pure white. This tough 

and good looking plant has a compact mounded 

habit to 3' high with dark green foliage. Hardy to at 

least -8F 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Ken Janeck' 

Janeck. Always reliable, he's a classic "good doer" 

almost anywhere. A deep pink in bud, opening to a 

softer shade of pink and fading over time to white. 

Compact habit, with heavy tan indumentum 

underneath matte dark green leaves. Registered as 

the species R.yakushimanum, but many believe it 

is actually a hybrid of R.smirnowii. Zones 4-7. H: 

2-3 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $35.00 | 15-18", 3 gal $55.00 


Rhododendron 'Kern's Violetta' 

(unknown cross). Kerns. A stately head-turner, the 

flower of 'Kern's Violetta' is a large light lavender 

with a deep purple blotch. An open grower when 

young, so pinch the new growth for a fuller, vaseshaped 

plant. Place in the background, give it room 

and light shade. When you visit us, look for it at the 

main entrance to the display garden. Zones 6-7. H: 

6-7 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 18-24" 3 gal $60.00 


pg. 7


'Kimberly' to 'Patricia Bosley' 

pg. 8 


Rhododendron 'Kimberly' 

(williamsianum X fortunei). Greer. Features 

abundant bell-shaped pastel-pink flowers which are 

lightly fragrant, thanks to its R. williamsianum parent. 

Medium-green rounded-oval foliage cover this 

compact, semi-dwarf grower. Deep purple-red buds 

add winter interest. Another West Coast plant which 

tolerates our Eastern Zone 6b climate if given some 

shade. Zones 6-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 2-3 ft 

15-18", 1 gal $40.00 


Rhododendron 'Lem's Monarch' 

('Anna' X 'Marinus Koster'). Halfdan Lem. NEW! 

Trusses as big as your head? Yup and then some. 

This natural tetraploid hybrid was introduced in 1971 

by Halfdan Lem in Seattle. It has large thick leaves 

and heavy textured white flowers with pink margins 

which open from pink buds. Needs a z7 or warm z6 

here in the east. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Lemon Dream' 

(yakushimanum x 'Creamy Chiffon'). McCulloch, 

Briggs. Rounded trusses of wavy-edged creamy 

yellow flowers top off a compact plant with deep 

green leaves.The slightly rounded leaves have a thin 

layer of light brown indumentum. Somewhat similar 

to 'Delp's Delight'. Hardy to -18C. Limited quantity 

available. Zones 6-8. H: 2-3 ft · W: 2-3 ft 

15-18", 2 gal $55.00 


Rhododendron 'Love Child' 

('Wild Affair' X 'Kristin Marie'). Schannen. The 

offspring of 'Wild Affair' x 'Kristin Marie'- need we say 

more? The flower is a beautiful bicolor, with pinkyred 

edging a white center. Leaves are medium 

green, long and pointed. Hank made this cross and 

Jerry van de Sande came up with an inspired name 

for a real beauty. Zones 6-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Maid For Shade' 

Benjamin & Marian Shapiro. We've been unable to 

find much about the history of this plant- but it's from 

the Shapiros and it's a good grower that stands out 

after the main bloom season is past. Pink and prettily 

ruffled flowers in a nicely rounded truss are set off by 

dark green leaves on a plant that gets quite large. 

Anyone out there know more about it? Zones 6-7. H: 

5-6 in · W: 5-6 in 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 1 gal $35.00 


Rhododendron 'Mardi Gras' 

(yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada' X 'Vanessa'). 

Bovee. Adaptable and rewarding, this early yak 

hybrid is still an outstanding variety. It has dark green 

leaves with tan indumentum. The buds emerge in 

mid-May as bright reddish pink and open white with 

pink highlights. Blooms young. Zones 5-8. H: 3-4 

ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $35.00 | 18-24", 3 gal $65.00 


Rhododendron 'Marjie Kay 

Hinerman' 

('Nassau Red' X 'Dexter's Honeydew'). Trautmann. 

Midwest bred,'Marjie Kay' has attractive medium 

pink ball trusses in mid-late May, on a dark green, 

glossy leaved plant. But it's the plant habit that is the 

real story. A naturally compact variety that's low and 

spreading. An outstanding plant! Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 

ft · W: 5-6 ft 

15-18", 1 gal. $35.00 | 18-24", 3 gal. $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Marquis of 

Waterford' 

Hybridized by Anthony Waterer in the mid 19th 

century, this is a forerunner of today's bi-colors and 

still used in hybridizing today. Flowers are red with 

a lighter center shading to white. It's a heavy 

bloomer which flowers very late, extending the 

season. Leathery leaves on a well-branched plant. 

Zones 6-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

24-30", 3 gal $65.00 


Rhododendron 'Maud Corning' 

Holden Arboretum. To our knowledge, the most 

fragrant hardy rhododendron. Selected and named 

at Holden Arboretum from a collection of Dexter 

(fortunei-derived) hybrids. A loose truss bearing 

pink-beige flowers with a touch of yellow in the 

throat. Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $35.00 


Rhododendron 'Maximum Roseum' 

compact form 

Need a smaller version of a tough, hardy plant? 

This works... and it's a late bloomer. The foliage, 

flower and bloom time are all similar to 'Maximum 

Roseum'- the big difference is size, as it stays lower 

and bushier with exceptional dark green foliage. 

Lots of buds open to lilac-pink flowers. Try it, you'll 

like it! Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

15-18", 1 gal $35.00 | 24-30", 3 gal, limited 

avail. $75.00 


Rhododendron 'Mist Maiden' 

(yakushimanum x ?). David Leach. Leach was 

convinced this seed-grown selection was pure 

R.yakushimanum. Hank (and others)thought it 

screams yak x smirnowii. A vigorous grower 

tolerant of adverse conditions, with a large truss. 

Blooms earlier than other yaks but with typical yak 

"appleblossom" flowers. Foliage is dark green with 

thick tawny indumentum. Zones 4-8. H: 3-4 ft · W: 

4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $35.00 | 15-18", 3 gal $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Mountain Marriage' 

(yakushimanum x maximum). A. Kehr. Round white 

trusses sit atop dark green shining foliage, like 

scoops of vanilla ice cream nestled in dark cones. 

Yummy! So is the plant, combining the best 

characteristics of both parents- the tough 

adaptability of R.maximum and the compact 

elegance of R.yakushimanum. No shotgun 

wedding, but indeed a marriage made in heaven. 

Zones 5. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' 

'Parsons Grandiflorum' hybrid. M. Koster. Yes, we 

know; it's not rare, but it is a reliable, proven 

performer, perhaps the most commonly grown red 

in severe climates. Features very showy red flowers 

spotted darker, in well-filled, rounded trusses. 

Leaves have a distinctive twist. Even in a garden 

filled with rarities, 'Nova Zembla' holds a special 

place. Zones 4-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

18-24" 3 gal $60.00 | 24-30", 3 gal $65.00 


Rhododendron 'Patricia Bosley' 

(unknown, perhaps a Dexter). Bosley Nursery, 

Dexter . Virtually unknown in the trade, 'Patricia 

Bosley' has become one of our favorite 

rhododendrons for landscape use. A strong grower 

and very floriferous, with multi-hued pink flowers 

held in large dome-shaped trusses blooming the 

third week of May. Dark green foliage is 

exceptionally clean after a hard winter. Zones 

5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


'Pearce's American Beauty' to 'Summer Glow' 


Rhododendron 'Pearce's American 

Beauty' 

('Mrs. C. S. Sargent' X 'Dr. H. C. Dresselhuys'?). 

Watson, 1983. Hard to walk past this one! A 

distinctive plant with an overall formal effect, but the 

deep rose flowers set off by a gold flare are definitely 

NOT! The compact, full truss sits on an "Elizabethan 

collar" of wide dark green leaves. Very cold hardy 

and a robust grower which is becoming more 

popular. Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", B&B $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Peppermint Twist' 

(hyperythrum X 'Princess Elizabeth'). Len Miller 

selection of John Thornton's R.hyperythrum 

seedlings. A selection of one of John Thornton of 

Louisiana's best R.hyperythrum seedlings, a species 

noted for heat and cold tolerance. Red buds open to 

rose-pink flowers flecked with red and a white circle 

in the throat. Add the glossy dark green foliage, held 

for 3 years on a vigorous & compact plant. Limited 

availability. Zones 5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

18-24", B&B $125.00 


Rhododendron 'Polarnacht' 

[('Lee's Dark Purple' x 'Purple Splendor') X 'Purple 

Splendor']. Hans Hachmann. NEW! Translates to 

"polar night" in German, and this is certainly a very 

dark violet-purple with an almost black blotch, 

accented by creamy anthers. Trusses of 12-14 

flowers in mid-late May. Dark green leaves on a midsized 

plant, growing wider than tall. May be a good 

sub for the cranky 'Purple Splendor'! Zones 5-7. H: 

3-4 ft · W: 4-6 ft 

15-18", 3 gal $65.00 


Rhododendron 'Pressey's Peachy' 

(prob ('Catalgla' X 'Dexters Honeydew'). Cowles/ 

Pressey. Grown in Londonderry, NH from a Cowles 

cross. Full sun, southern exposure, -20F. Original is 

20' tall X 10' wide. Super nice foliage, large, light 

pink open truss. Leggy when young but fills in nicely. 

Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Pride's Early Red' 

(probably 'Mars' X 'America'?). Pride. Most hardy 

reds tend to grow tall and gangly, but our 20 year old 

plant is unusually compact. From the "ice box" of 

western Pennsylvania, its compactness and red 

flowers set off by dark green leaves on a tough Zone 

5 plant are its differentiating qualities. It blooms 

about May 15 for us, earlier than other red ironclads. 

Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Rabatz' 

('Double Date' X 'Erato'). Hachmann Nursery, 

Germany. NEW! The name means "ruckus" or 

"uproar" in German and this variety may certainly do 

that for reds. Brilliant cardinal red flowers in full 

trusses appear in May on compact growing plants, 

which is unusual for reds. Very new, so we must 

temper our initial enthusiasm until we grow it for a 

few years more. It looks great so far! H: 4-5 ft · W: 

4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Rangoon' 

('Fanfare' X 'Gertrude Schale'). Leach. A Leach 

hybrid useful for its low-growing habit and trusses of 

dark red flowers that buds well as a young plant. It 

also has great dark green foliage. For added winter 

interest, the dormant buds and petioles are also dark 

red. Limited quantity available. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 

ft · W: 4-5 ft 

15-18", B&B $60.00 



Rhododendron 'Robbie Robinson' 

(fortunei X 'Sappho'). Robbie Robinson. NEW! This 

plant has white flowers with showy red speckling on 

the upper lobes. However, another interesting 

feature is the variegated leaves which have white 

margins which uniquely suffuse into green centers. 

MrRobinson is best known for playing a leading 

role in the creation of the Portland, OR Japanese 

public garden. Zones 6-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Ruth Davis' 

(yak. X degronianum ssp. heptamerum [formerly 

metternichii]). Gable/Davis. White flowers open 

from red-tinged pink buds for an interesting tricolor 

effect. A dependable low grower with dark green 

leaves on a mounded plant. We suspect this may 

truly be a yak X smirnowii hybrid, but it's a good 

plant possessing year-round attractiveness. Zones 

5-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 2-3 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Scintillation' 

Dexter. If ever a rhododendron were to be deemed 

a classic, 'Scintillation' would be it. Waxy green 

leaves on a strong medium-sized shrub give this 

plant distinction throughout the year. The 

midseason, full truss has 15 flowers of pink with a 

spotted golden bronze flare in the throat. Zones 

5-8. 

15-18", 3 gal $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Silver Bear' 

Probably one of the Cecil Smith seedlings. Blooms 

in 2nd week of May. Pink buds open white in; 

compact habit. Excellent foliage with silvery 

tomentum covering the tops of the new growth; has 

heavy felt like fawn indumentum on the bottom of 

each leaf. Luxuriates in dappled shade. H: 3-4 

ft · W: 3-4 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Silver Sovereign' 

(R. yakushimanum X smirnowii). Morris/Schannen. 

Hank liked this "yak x smirnowii" from Elmer Morris 

and named it. It was the tallest and fastest grower 

of the group, more upright than wide, remains well 

clothed with excellent silvery-white compact 

trusses. Grow it for its wonderful foliage, and enjoy 

the flowers as a bonus! Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 

3-4 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 1 gal $35.00 


Rhododendron 'Solidarity' 

(R. yakushimanum x 'The Honourable Jean Marie 

de Montague') .Hank Schannen hybridized this 

winner, with luminous extra-large flowers combining 

red, pink and white hues as they age and new buds 

open. The vigorous, wider than tall plant has dark 

green leathery foliage. Southerners report excellent 

heat and sun tolerance. Very special! Zones 5-8. H: 

4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 1 

gal $35.00 | 18-24", 3 gal $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Summer Glow' 

('Summer Snow' X 'Scarlet Blast'). Leach. Extend 

your bloom season into June! The truss and flowers 

are very large and bright rose-pink which age to a 

lighter pink. A trained eye might be able to spot the 

R.maximum genes in this plant from the leaves 

which are large and dark green (but not as 

pointed). This is an exuberant grower so give it 

room. Limited availability. Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 

4-5 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


pg. 9


'Taurus' to R. yakushimanum 'Phetteplace Form' 

pg. 10 


Rhododendron 'Taurus' 

('The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague' X 

strigillosum). Mossman. Unrivaled! Our "cover boy" 

for 2011 sets a high standard for early-blooming 

reds, with the addition of dark red buds for winter 

interest. Becomes a large plant with 3.5" blazing true 

red flowers spotted with black, set off by pointed 

leathery dark green leaves. Zones 6-7. H: 5-6 

ft · W: 5-6 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18", 

B&B $75.00 | 18-24", B&B $125.00 


Rhododendron 'Trinity' 

('Powell Glass' selfed X yakushimanum 'Koichiro 

Wada'). Pride. The term "angelic" comes to mind! 

Starting from pink buds, large white flowers open 

with faint dorsal spotting of light green. Dark green 

medium size foliage on a well-rounded plant. We 

believe it to be the best of the many white 

catawbiense x yakushimanum hybrids. One of the 

best performers in the cold northeastern US. Zones 

4-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 | 10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Victoria's Consort' 

('Nor'Easter' x catawbiense hybrid). Mezitt/Weston 

Nurseries. Originally called 'Mauve and Gold', this 

Weston Nursery introduction has pastel grayishlavender 

buds. The full trusses open to yellowishwhite, 

almost tan flowers with light greenish-yellow 

dorsal spots. The flowers truly do have a Victorian 

flair. Leaves are deep olive-green on an upright 

plant. Zones 5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 2-3 ft 

15-18" 1 gal. $35.00 | 2-3' 3 gal. $75.00 


Rhododendron 'Wyandanch Pink' 

(parentage unknown). Dexter. A classic Dexter, this 

has become one of our top 10 plants for the 

northeast. Tall globes of bright rose pink with a 

darker pink throat, set off by very large leaves with 

impressed veins. Slow to bud, but will take almost full 

sun. It is very tough and can grow to be a stately, 

well-clothed, magnificent plant. Give it room. Zones 

4-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

6-10" 1 gal. $25.00 | 10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Yaku Angel' 

Greer selection from yakushimanum. One heavenly 

plant! Deep green and indumented long narrow 

foliage is retained for 4 years; white tomentum on 

new growth. Buds young and heavily with trusses of 

13 to 17 pink buds opening to white flowers. May be 

yak x makinoi- a local hybridizer remade that cross 

and ended up with plants very similar to 'Yaku 

Angel'. Zones 5-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

15-18", 3 gal $60.00 


Rhododendron (yakushimanum FCC 

X smirnowii) 

Wayne Mezitt. One of the best crosses in 

"rhododendrondom"! There are many clones of this 

cross and all are great plants but these may be the 

best. Wayne Mezitt of Weston Nursery's FCC yak is 

the seed parent and begets amazingly uniform 

seedlings. Dark green heavily indumented leaves set 

off appleblossom pink buds turning white. Zones 

5. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

6-10" $25.00 | 15-18", 1 gal $35.00 


Rhododendron campanulatum var 

aeruginosum 'Blue Ox' 

Berg/Cavender/Briggs. NEW! Grown and selected 

for robust growth and blue new leaves by Dick 

Cavender, from seed collected by Warren Berg in 

Bhutan.(ARS 1989-1502 BB*8804, CW Rudong La, 

Bhutan 13,300') We can't guarantee this one due to 

its probable lack of tolerance to summer heat. Worth 

trying in parts of zone 6 with cooler summers. Zones 

6. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

3-6", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron decorum 'Gable's 

Hardy White' 

The legendary Joe Gable grew Chinese seed of 

R.decorum and selected this as the only one coldhardy. 

It's an open grower and eventually becomes 

a large plant. Leaves are dark green with large 

white fragrant flowers in mid to late May. This is 

definitely one of our biggest reasons to thank Joe 

Gable! Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 5-6 ft 

10-15" 1 gal. Limited quantity $30.00 


Rhododendron fortunei 

A favorite for the lovely flowers, form and tough 

constitution. We grow it both from seed and 

selections from cuttings. Flowers are usually pink 

fading to white, often fragrant, 3 to 4" wide, in loose 

trusses. Leaves are "paddle-shaped" and generally 

a matte green, but some can have a blue-green 

cast. Quite heat tolerant. Zones 5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 

5-6 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron makinoi 

This would still be a garden gem just for its leaves, 

which are long and narrow and arranged around 

the stems like the ribs of an umbrella. New growth 

is covered with white tomentum and the plant habit 

is dense and rounded. Flowers are pink turning 

white and held in a compact truss. This species 

does well in the Northeast. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 

ft · W: 3-4 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $35.00 


Rhododendron maximum Rosebay 

An eastern US native found from Nova Scotia to 

Georgia, primarily in the Appalachians. It can grow 

to over 12' tall, with matte green leaves and pale 

pink to white flowers in late June-early July. Valued 

for its cold-hardiness and late bloom and is quite 

heat-tolerant as well. Performs best in partial 

shade. Zones 5-8. H: 5-6 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron metternichii 'Jerry's 

Glossy Leaf' aka degronianum 

subsp. heptamerum 

RareFind's own Jerry van de Sande's selection has 

pale pink flowers, sometimes lined with deeper pink 

inside. What really makes it special is the glossy 

evergreen leaves with a lush reddish-brown 

indumentum underneath. It makes a dense, 

mounded plant, spectacular year round! Zones 

5-7. H: 3-5 ft · W: 3-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron pachysanthum 

NEW! Rare species from a few high mountains in 

Taiwan is most certainly a contender for having the 

most attractive foliage of any rhododendron. New 

growth is covered with white to brown velvet hairs 

which slowly change to golden tan and wears off 

during the summer, yet retaining a thick layer below 

the leaves. Not for beginners. Zones 6. H: 3-4 

ft · W: 3-4 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $35.00 


Rhododendron yakushimanum 

(degronianum) 'Phetteplace Form' 

A compact grower with beautiful dark green leaves 

and pink buds opening to white flowers in early 

May. Could be a smirnowii x yak hybrid, typical of 

the 'Ken Janeck' type but faster growing. Limited 

availability. Zones 5. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 2 gal $45.00 


'April Rhapsody' to 'Molly Fordham' 

$$plantID:3163$$ %%catName:Lepidote Rhododendrons%% 

Rhododendron 'April Rhapsody' 

(April Gem X Vibrant Violet). Alan & Shirley 

Anderson. Early to mid-April blooms are vivid purple 

in bud, opening the same color. Three to nine flowers 

in a truss. Leaves are moderate green and semiglossy 

on a dense growing plant. This is the first 

commercial offering of this new Anderson small 

leaved rhododendron. We expect great things from 

this plant, the color is a knockout. Zones 5-7. H: 2-3 

ft · W: 2-3 ft 

15-18" 1 gal $35.00 


Rhododendron 'Bluenose' 

(dauricum var. sempervirens X 'Russautinii'). 

Brueckner. One of the bluest rhododendron flowers 

that will survive the hot summers of the eastern US. 

This upright growing, vigorous lepidote from Nova 

Scotia grows to about the same size as a PJM. The 

bright yellow new growth turns dark green, providing 

interest past blooming. Plant in morning shade to 

avoid bark split in winter. Zones 4-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 

3-4 ft 

15-18" 2 gal. $45.00 


Rhododendron 'Bubblegum' 

(tetraploid 'Weston's Aglo'). Briggs Nursery. Hard to 

imagine how 'Aglo' could be improved upon, but 

'Bubblegum' has really impressed us. Big pink 

flowers make a better show against the large foliage 

and red stems. Winter foliage color is a deep, almost 

blackish red. Best when planted in less than 70% 

sun. Landscape uses are varied, as a specimen or in 

foundation plantings. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

6-10" 1 gal $25.00 | 18-24" $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Coral Glow' 

(mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink' x lutescens). 

Mehlquist. One of the earliest bloomers in the spring 

landscape, this really does glow with a tint of coral, 

different from the blue-pinks, lavenders and purples 

that are more common among the lepidotes. A 

mature plant is quite spectacular, with an upright and 

rounded growth habit. Nice mahogany red fall color. 

Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

15-18" 1 gal $35.00 | 18-24" 1 gal $45.00 


Rhododendron 'Fairy Mary' 

(keiskei 'Yaku Fairy' x 'Mary Fleming'). Berg. One of 

the best and hardiest of Berg's Yaku Fairy hybrids. 

Forms a tight bun similar in habit to 'Ginny Gee', but 

flowers are more white in color, sometimes tinged 

with light yellow and pink. Very dark bronze foliage in 

winter. Great for rock gardens, troughs and small 

gardens. Zones 5-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

6-10" 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Faisa' 

(minus Carolinianum group X polycladum Scintillans 

Group). Delp. A top choice when we're asked for a 

"foolproof" lepidote. Smoky lavender-blue flowers, 

with a densely compact, upright form and bronzy 

foliage. Unlike many lepidotes, our hot dry summers 

don't seem to bother it. It's also cold hardy, growing 

and blooming in MA in an exposed location after 

reaching -26°F above the snow. Zones 4-7. H: 3-4 

ft · W: 3-4 ft 

10-15", 1 gal $30.00 | 24-30" 3 gal $55.00 


Rhododendron 'Ginny Gee' 

(keiskei 'Yaku Fairy' X racemosum). Berg. Named by 

Warren Berg after Hank Schannen's wife Virginia, 

this award-winning favorite is grown around the 

world. Two-toned pink flowers that turn to pinky-white 

totally cover this dwarf, small-leafed plant which is 

both heat and cold tolerant. Foliage turns dark 

maroon in the winter. Zones 5-7. H: 18-24 in · W: 

30-36 in 

6-10" 1 gal. $25.00 

LEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS 


Rhododendron 'Hank's Mellow 

Yellow' 

(Ginny Gee open pollinated, 1968). H. Schannen. 

Think of 'Ginny Gee', in yellow. Hank took seed 

from the original Berg plant over 40 years ago, 

grew about 100 seedlings and only one was yellow. 

It completely covers itself with blossoms. Foliage 

turns bronzy in the fall and can take sun. The habit 

is that of a flat ground cover. Excellent for bonsai or 

the rock garden. Zones 5-7. H: 1-2 ft · W: 2-3 ft 

6-10", 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Hank's Snowball' 

Schannen. NEW! One of Hank's creations which 

we've never had enough of to sell until now. Nice 

very compact plant that stays quite small, loads of 

light pink buds open to pure white flowers like a 

dwarf 'Rik' or 'Pikeland'. Limited quantity. Zones 

5?-7. H: 12-18 in · W: 2-3 ft 

6-10" 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron 'Joseph Dunn' 

(minus X racemosum). G. David Lewis. Many 

popular lepidote hybrids bloom early, but 'Joseph 

Dunn' blooms later, in concert with the largerflowered 

elepidote varieties. An upright growing, 

compact lepidote that covers itself with a profusion 

of bright pink flowers in mid-May, its habit and 

bloom make it a worthy competitor for attention 

during peak bloom time. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 

3-4 ft 

10-15" 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'June Bee' 

('Yaku Fairy' x 'Mary Fleming'). Berg. 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. Named by Warren 

Berg after a dear friend, June Sinclair, and is still 

rarely offered. We have had this plant for a number 

of years and strongly recommend it. Zones 5-7. H: 

2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

6-10" 1 gal $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Landmark' 

('Counterpoint' X 'Carolina Rose'). Mezitt/Weston 

Nurseries. It's become a landscape staple, but this 

beacon of spring brightness is a hard color to 

capture in words or on film. From a distance, it 

appears to be the sought-after and elusive hardy 

red lepidote. Up close, the color becomes an 

intense fuchsia-pink. Vase-shaped and fully 

clothed, with foliage turning bronzy-black in winter. 

Zones 5-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

18-24", 3 gal $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Mary Fleming' 

(keiskei x racemosum x keiskei ). Nearing. Some 

plants play supporting roles rather than starring 

ones. A great choice for separating the strong 

colors of other plants in the late April garden, as 

the combination of pale yellow from R.keiskei and 

rays of salmon pink from R.racemosum produce a 

unique effect. Attractive bronzy winter foliage on a 

reliable performer. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15", 1 gal. $30.00 


Rhododendron 'Molly Fordham' 

('Balta' x minus Carolinianum Group). Mezitt/ 

Weston Nurseries. This has become our white 

lepidote of choice. Think of it as a 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. As with all lepidotes, provide sharp 

drainage and enjoy the early-mid April bloom. 

Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

15-18", 2 gal. $50.00 


pg. 11

LEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS 

'Pioneer Silvery Pink' to R. sichotense 

pg. 12 


Rhododendron 'Pioneer Silvery Pink' 

('Pioneer' seedling). Hoogendorn Nurseries. 

Wonderful soft pink blooms cover the plant towards 

the end of April, thereby missing the occasional late 

spring frost. Upright growing and fills out beautifully, 

with larger leaves suggesting an R.minus 

(carolinianum) heritage. Enjoy it as a feature during 

its bloom time but also as a beautiful shrub year 

round. Zones 5-7. H: 5-6 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

24-30" $45.00 | 18-24" 3 gal $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Purple Reign' 

(tet Carolinianum x fastigiatum) X (tet Carolinianum x 

Blue Diamond). Jack Looye, Rhodoland Nursery. 

Great recent purple lepidote introduction from near 

Niagara Falls, Canada. Has done very well for us 

here. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 2-3 ft 

15-18" 1 gal $35.00 | 24-30" 3 gal $60.00 


Rhododendron 'Red Quest' 

('Waltham' x dauricum pink sempervirens). Mezitt/ 

Weston Nurseries. Bright fuchsia-pink flowers are 

attractively displayed on a densely-foliaged, 

compact, mounded plant wider than tall. Foliage 

turns bronze-colored in winter. Zones 5-7. H: 3-4 

ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15" 1 gal $30.00 | 15-18" 1 gal $40.00 


Rhododendron 'Sugar Puff' 

(racemosum X minus Carolinianum Group). F. Read/ 

Brigg's Nursery. NEW! One unique rhodo! Small, 

1.5" long narrow leaves loosely clothe showy red 

stems of this densely twiggy wonder that buds 

extremely heavily. As many as 7-8 buds per shoot 

producing 14-20 flowers in what appears to be one 

large domed truss of puffy white flowers which cover 

the plant. Blooms late March to early April. Zones 

5-8. H: 4-5 ft · W: 4-5 ft 

10-15" 1 gal $25.00 


Rhododendron keiskei 'Golden 

Globe' 

(selection of keiskei). Schannen. Hank named this 

selection of the "epiphytic form" of R.keiskei. Grown 

from seed collected on Yakushima by Warren Berg, 

who said this form was never found on level ground 

only in crevices on cliffs. Our 30-year 4 x 5' plant is 

floriferous with a large yellow flower at the end of 

April. Takes sun and grows just fine in the ground! 

Zones 5-7. H: 2-3 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

6-10" 1 gal. $30.00 


Rhododendron mucronulatum 

Korean Rhododendron 

(seedlings of the species).You know spring is on the 

way when R. mucronulatum bravely flaunts its 

flowers! This is the wild type lavender-flowered form 

of the "Korean azalea", rarely available and quite 

cold-hardy. Lovely with pale yellow and white 

daffodils! Zones 4-7. H: 4-5 ft · W: 2-3 ft 

10-15" 1 gal. $30.00 | 15-18" 2 

gal. $50.00 | 24-30" 3 gal. $60.00 



'Berg's Double' 

Berg. Warren Berg gave this to us about 15 years 

ago and we have been propagating it ever since. It's 

a sensational, fully-doubled, dark lavender flower 

that stands out in our garden. Tall and willowy, as is 

typical of the species, this deserves a name. Zones 

4. 

6-10" 1 gal. $25.00 



'Cornell Pink' 

Bowers. From the mountains of Korea comes some 

of the first blossoms of spring, in very early April. 

This clear light pink selection is well-known as an 

alternative to lavender. Unlike most other lepidotes, 

R.mucronulatum is fully deciduous, but 

compensates with great cold-hardiness. Zones 

4-6. H: 4-5 ft · W: 2-3 ft 

10-15" 1 gal. $30.00 | 15-18" 2 

gal $50.00 | 24-30", 3 gal $85.00 


Rhododendron sichotense 

NEW! This member of the dauricum group is very 

hardy, has larger flowers and is especially 

evergreen. Lavender-purple flowers are among the 

earliest to bloom of any rhodos here. Shrub has a 

dense, upright habit and the foliage turns attractive 

dark burgundy color in winter. (Photo taken 

3/22/2010 @ RareFind with Harold Greer) Zones 

4-7. H: 3-4 ft · W: 3-4 ft 

15-18" 1 gal $30.00 

Hank Schannen’s 

Criteria for sUCCess 

With rhoDoDenDrons 

To inject some humor into Hank’s talks on rhododendrons, 

he began providing a handout to reduce planting and care 

problems. Then a funny thing happened. Since we began 

using it, we noticed a decline in questions about how to 

handle rhododendrons and azaleas. It turns out it helps 

and that’s no joke. So here it is. 

12 Criteria for sUCCess 

1. Drainage 

2. Drainage 

3. Drainage 

4. Drainage 

5. Drainage 

6. Drainage 

7. Acid pH 

8. Dappled shade 

9. Able to water when needed 

10. If containerized, loosen roots (viciously) 

11. When in doubt, plant HIGH!! 

12. Hmmmm – More DRAINAGE!!! 

9 Ways to Kill a rhoDoDenDron 

1. Site on the southwest corner of a house 

2. Full sun 

3. Heavy clay soil 

4. Wet – poor drainage 

5. Down spout nearby 

6. Plunk the containerized plant into the ground with 

root ball in pristine condition 

7. Ignore #1 – #7 Criteria 

8. Ignore #12 Criteria 

9. Ignore #12 Criteria

D/L The RFN Catalog Part #1 - Rhododendrons - Rare Find Nursery

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