2007 Rhododendron of the Year Awards

Elepidote Rhododendron: 'Caroline' Possibly a R. decorum hybrid Flower orchid lavender with an orange blotch in throat, slightly scented. Held in ball-shaped truss. A late midseason bloomer. Densely foliaged with light green, slightly-twisted leaves. An upright and vigorous growing shrub. Disease resistant. Grows 6 ft. tall in 10 years. Hardy to -15°F (-26°C). Hybridized by Gable. Named for his daughter.
	Photo by Henk Borsje

	Lepidote Rhododendron: 'Olga Mezitt' R. minus var. minus Carolinianum Group x R. minus var. minus Flower light purplish-pink with inconspicuous gold-green blotch that ages to reddish-brown, openly to tubular funnel-shaped, wavy lobes, 1-1/2" across. Dome-shaped trusses hold about 12 flowers. Blooms early midseason. Leaves lanceolate shaped with acute apex and cuneate base, convex, 2" long, yellow-green. Leaves turn mahogany color in winter. Upright growth habit. Reaches a height of 3 ft. in 10 yrs. Cold hardy to -15º F (-26º C). Hybridized by Mezitt.
Photo by Sally and John Perkins

Evergreen Azalea: 'Fairfax' R. 'Polar Sea' x R. 'Debonaire' Flower strong purplish pink at edges, shading to nearly white in center, single, openly funnel-shaped, ruffled edges, 3-1/2" across. Inflorescence 1 to 2 flowered. Blooms late midseason. Leaves elliptic to narrowly elliptic, obtuse apex, cuneate base, slightly concave, 2" long, dark green. Dense, spreading plant habit. Grows to a height of about 2-1/2 ft. in 10 years. Hardy to -15°F (-26°C). Hybridized by Ring.
	Photo by Steve Henning