How many times, when I lived in DC, did I advise my clients to forgo even the thought of rhododendrons? Or Kalmias. Or, in the category of perennials, delphiniums.
But in spite of my advice, sometimes rhodendrons (and the others) were planted, and believe me, those pitiful specimens never looked anywhere near like the one in the photo above, growing at the side of a Cape Cod house.
You simply never get the tall and gorgeous rhodies in a climate that's too hot and humid. They of course will grow there, but in time they become scraggly and spindly shrubs, absent the true character of the plant.
Rhododendrons prefer cool weather, and it's only in the cooler zones that they can attain their full height and glorious bloom. So, designers, resist the wishes of your clients, refuse to plant what won't do well, and look to the ones that do well in your area. The rhododendrons in these photos love the New England climate, and I do have to tell you that although native dogwoods do grow here, you simply don't see them in the numbers and the bloom that you do further south.
And how about this broom with poppies? Another perfect New England combo.
(Photos © Jane Berger)
It's great to see these beautiful plants but it sall depends on where you live to grow them. good advise to grow in a climste where the plants will do well.
Posted by: Laura | June 25, 2011 at 12:25 AM
Jane, a great post. I've linked to it in my own post today about the one rhodo I've been able to grow successfully in my own back yard. But I completely agree with you about not planting them for clients here in the DC area if I can avoid it.
Posted by: Melissaclarkphotography.wordpress.com | June 11, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Most of the time when we travel, I see a plant I really really want. I used to try to grow them no matter what, but now I know better and have learned to love what we can succeed with here in zone 7.
Posted by: Martha | June 10, 2011 at 09:18 PM