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Rhododendron of the Year Plant Awards: 2022


South West USA Region

R. 'Very Berry

Elepidote Rhododendron: 'Very Berry'

Flower funnel-shaped, vivid purplish red with darker blotch, funnel-shaped.  Held in conical-shaped truss.  Blooms midseason to late midseason.  Leaves up to 10" long, fir green.  Spreading growth habit.  Typical height: 6 feet in 10 years.  Plant and bud hardy to -10°F (-23°C).  Hybridizer is Greer.

 
R. 'Kallista'

Lepidote Rhododendron: 'Kallista'

Flowers white with vivid yellow throat, tubular-campanulate, wavy edges, about 5" across, strongly scented.  Lax truss has 3 - 5 flowers, occasionally more.  Blooms midseason.  Leaves obovate, obtuse apex, attenuate base, 4½" long, semi-glossy, heavy textured.  Open, upright plant habit.  Grows to about 6 feet high in 10 years.  Hardy to 20°F (-7°C).  Hybridizer is unknown.

 
R. 'Anna Kehr'

Evergreen Azalea: 'Anna Kehr'

Flower light purplish-pink, flat saucer-shaped, wavy lobes, 2" across, double.  Inflorescence has 1-3 flowers.  Blooms midseason.  Leaves broadly elliptic, apiculate apex, cuneate base, 1¾" long, glossy.  Low, spreading, well-branched habit.  Typical height is 2 feet after 10 years.  Cold hardy to 0°F (-18°C).  Hybridized by Kehr.

 
R. 'Mandarin Lights'

Deciduous Azalea: 'Mandarin Lights'

Flower strong reddish orange with darker veining and strong orange blotch on upper lobe, narrow tubular funnel-shaped, wavy edges, about 2¼" across.  Ball-shaped truss has 7-10 flowers.  Blooms late midseason to late.  Leaves elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, flat, 4" long, moderate olive green, deciduous.  Upright, slightly rounded, open growth habit.  Height: 6 ft. in 10 years.  Cold hardy to -35°F (-37°C).  Hybridized at the University of Minnesota.

Photos (top to bottom) by Ken Gibson, courtesy of Woodbury Rhododendrons, Bob Stelloh, Sally and John Perkins.

Prior Years Selections for South West USA Region

2024

2023

 

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004


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