The ideal time to plant Rhododendrons is when they’re in bloom and this Memorial Day Weekend looks perfect
Rhodies start their new growth right after they flower, and the roots grow at the same time as the tops. These are just beginning to show color so come up to the nursery and check them out.
The big distinction in Rhododendrons is how large they get, the big old fashioned ones like the ones at the Airport and the Hatchery and the Governor’s House, known as “The Cast Iron Hybrids”, will ultimately get too large for most yards. They are easy enough to prune, but you have to be willing to do it.
Modern spaces are usually smaller and more modern Rhododendrons are bred to stay smaller. This one is my current favorite, it’s “Percy Wiesman”, the multitude of flowers open this gold and pink and ripen to a stunning apricot color. It’s a semi dwarf form getting about 3 ft tall by 4 ft wide in10 years.
This is a large one that was specially ordered, it’s so lovely we will have to get another for ourselves.
Miss Kim Lilacs are budding up, their flower clusters are forming even as the young leaves open. Their delicate lavender purple flowers will fill the area with sweet aromas as they mature, and the fall color of rich burgundy must be seen to be believed.
We will be on KINY “Conversations with Alaskan Gardeners”at 8:30 Saturday Mornings.