RHODODENDRON

Rhododendron (from Ancient Greek ῥόδον rhódon "rose" and δένδρον déndron "tree") is a genus of 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), either evergreen or deciduous, and found mainly in Asia, although it is also widespread throughout the highlands of the Appalachian Mountains of North America. It is the national flower of Nepal. Most species have brightly coloured flowers which bloom from late winter through to early summer. Azaleas make up two subgenera of Rhododendron. They are distinguished from "true" rhododendrons by having only five anthers per flower.

This is Rhododendron 'Old Port', a very attractive catawbiense hybrid with a vigorous, dense, domed-shaped habit and glossy evergreen foliage reaching 1.8m in 10 years. Eye-catching, cerise-coloured flowers unfold in trusses in late Winter with frilled lobes with a distinct, blackish-purple splash on the upper lip. Requires semi-shaded position and rich, acidic, well-drained soil. Very hardy.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.