2009 Rhododendron of the Year Awards

Elepidote Rhododendron: 'Taurus' R. 'The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague' x R. strigillosum Flower vivid and strong red with darker throat and black spots on dorsal lobe, campanulate, 3½" across. Large ball-shaped truss holds about about 16 flowers. Blooms early midseason. Deep red winter buds. Leaves elliptic with acute apex and rounded base, about 7" long, dark green, retained 3 years. Afternoon sun protection is preferred. Grows to a typical height of about 6 ft. in 10 yrs. Cold hardy to -5° F (-21° C). Hybridized by Mossman. RHS Award of Garden Merit 1993.
	Photo by Doug Irish-Hosler

	Lepidote Rhododendron: 'Windbeam R. 'Conestoga' seedling Flower opens white tinged pale apricot, after 3-4 days flowers become light purplish pink. Flower is funnel-shaped, wavy-edged, ¾" across and has moderate reddish orange and strong red spots on the dorsal lobe. Ball-shaped truss holds 8 flowers. Blooms early midseason. Leaf is elliptic to lanceolate, with obtuse apex and cuneate base, 2" to 2¾" long, moderate olive green. Willowy, leggy growth habit. Typical height: 3 ft. in 10 yrs. Plant is cold hardy to -25° F (-32° C). Hybridized by Nearing. Received the ARS Award of Excellence in 1973
Photo by Eleanor Philp

Evergreen Azalea: 'Conversation Piece' [R. 'Emile Russave' x R. 'Carol' (Gable)] x R. 'Eikan' Flower color varies among flowers: (1) roseine purple, (2) white (3) sectored (4) roseine purple shaded lighter at edges, widely funnel-shaped, wavy lobes, 3½" across. Some flowers spotted. Blooms late midseason. Leaves narrowly elliptic to elliptic, acute apex, cuneate base, 1⅝" long, glabrous. Upright, broad plant habit. Grows to a height of 2 ft. in 10 years. Hardy to -10°F (-23° C). Hybridized by Gartrell.
	Photo courtesy of Auburn University

	Deciduous Azalea: R. 'Gibraltar' Parentage unknown Flower vivid orange, flushed red orange, deep crimson in bud, tubular funnel-shaped, frilly edges, 2⅜" to 3" across. Ball-shaped trusses hold 10-12 flowers. Blooms midseason. Mildew resistant. Upright growth habit. Grows to a height of 5 ft. in 10 years. Hardy to -15°F (-26°C). Hybridized by Edmund de Rothschild.
Photo by Harold E. Greer