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Rhododendron of the Year Plant Awards: 2014


North East USA Region

R. 'Red River'

Elepidote Rhododendron: 'Red River'

Flower strong purplish red, lighter in center, near white dorsal blotch, and sparse greenish-yellow spotting, funnel-shaped, 2¾" across.  Held in conical truss with 15-19 flowers.  Blooms late.  Leaves elliptic, 5¾" long, margins undulate, rugose, mid green.  Upright, open plant habit.  Grows to a typical height of 5 ft. in 10 yrs.  Cold hardy to -20° F (-29° C).  Hybridized by Leach.

 
R. 'Molly Fordham'

Lepidote Rhododendron: 'Molly Fordham'

Flower white inside with brilliant greenish-yellow spots; outside white with slight streaking, saucer-shaped, 1⅜" across. Held in flat trusses of 7 flowers.  Blooms early midseason.  Leaves elliptic, flat, broadly acute apex, cuneate to rounded base, ¾" to 1" long, semi-glossy, moderate olive green. Upright, broad plant habit.  Typical height: 4 ft. in 10 yrs.  Plant is hardy to -20°F (-29°C).  Hybridized by Mezitt.

 
R. 'Bixby'

Evergreen Azalea: 'Bixby'

Flower red, unmarked, openly funnel-shaped, wavy edges, 1¼" across.  Flatted dome-shaped inflorescence contains 3 flowers.  Blooms late midseason.  Leaves obovate, mucronate apex, cuneate base, 1½" long, concave, bullate, retained for 2 years.  Dense, compact growth habit.  Grows to a typical height of 2 ft. in 10 yrs.  Hardy to -20°F (-29°C).  Hybridized by Mezitt.

 
R. 'Frank Abbott'

Deciduous Azalea: 'Frank Abbott'

Flower vivid purplish-red, openly funnel-shaped, about 1¾" across, fragrant.  Held in flattened ball-shaped trusses with 6 flowers.  Blooms midseason to late.  Leaves elliptic, broadly acute apex, cuneate base, down curved margins, 3" long, glossy.  Hairy petioles.  Mildew resistant.  Grows to about 4 ft. tall in 10 years.  Hardy to -30°F (-34°C).  Hybridized by Mezitt.

All photos (top to bottom) by Sally and John Perkins.

Prior Years Selections for North East USA Region

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

 

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004


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