TAURUS RHODODENDRON

TAURUS RHODODENDRON

Rhododendron 'Taurus'

COLLECTION

Royce Rhododendron

FAMILY

Ericaceae

PLANT TYPE

Shrub, Evergreen

ZONE

6-9

CULTURE

‘Taurus’ grows best when planted in partial shade in moist, well-drained, organic soil. Most rhododendrons detest “wet feet.”

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

Gorgeous red blooms cloak the 6 foot by 4-foot plants in late April to early May, signaling the return of spring.

PROBLEMS

When grown in favorable conditions, pests are minimal. In wet conditions, plants will suffer from root rot.

GARDEN USES

Use in mass plantings for a dramatic spring display, or as a specimen in a foundation planting.

HISTORY

Numerous plants have been donated to the Arboretum by the American Rhododendron Society.

PLUMLEAF AZALEA

Rhododendron prunifolium

COLLECTION

Royce Rhododendron

FAMILY

Ericaceae

PLANT TYPE

Shrub, Deciduous

ZONE

5-8

CULTURE

Thrives in moist, well-drained soils in part sun. It is tolerant of moisture in soils as it is found in sandy ravines and along stream banks.

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

Produces an abundance of red-orange flowers from July to August long after most rhododendrons are finished flowering.

PROBLEMS

None

GARDEN USES

Used in mass planting or as a specimen along waterways or ponds.

HISTORY

Planted in 2013, our plants were received from Pleasant Run Nursery in New Jersey. It was introduced into nursery trade in 1918.

HORIZON MONARCH RHODODENDRON

Rhododendron 'Horizon Monarch'

COLLECTION

Royce Rhododendron

FAMILY

Ericaceae

PLANT TYPE

Shrub

ZONE

7-9

CULTURE

Plant in acidic, moist, well-drained soil, in partial shade.

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

Grows up to 6 feet tall with red buds opening to large flowers in shades of yellow with red flares. The large flowers attract birds, bees, and butterflies.

PROBLEMS

When grown in favorable conditions, pests are minimal. In wet conditions, plants will suffer from root rot.

GARDEN USES

Use as a specimen. ‘Horizon Monarch’ is a true collector’s plant.

HISTORY

‘Horizon Monarch’ was donated to the Arboretum in 2013 by the American Rhododendron Society.

JAPANESE APRICOT

Prunus mume 'Peggy Clarke'

COLLECTION

Royce Rhododendron

FAMILY

Rosaceae

PLANT TYPE

Tree, Deciduous

ZONE

6-9

CULTURE

Japanese Apricot grows best in full sun and requires fertile, well-drained soil. It grows as a small ornamental upright vase-shaped tree.

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

‘Peggy Clarke’ has deep pink flowers bloom in pairs in early spring, have extremely long stamens and red calyxes. Fruits are edible but are of poor quality compared to the common apricot (Prunus armeniaca) but they can be made into jams and preserves.

PROBLEMS

Can fall victim to borers, as well as diseases such as cankers, and brown rot.

GARDEN USES

Use as a small flowering specimen or accent, similar to dogwoods, redbuds, and cherries.

HISTORY

Introduced into our collection in 2013. While it can be difficult to find in the United States, Japanese Apricots are gaining popularity in the nursery trade. There are currently over 250 cultivars.

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ANITA GENRICH RHODODENDRON

Rhododendron 'Anita Genrich'

COLLECTION

Royce Rhododendron

FAMILY

Ericaceae

PLANT TYPE

Shub, Evergreen

ZONE

N/A

CULTURE

Prefers a moist, well-drained soil in part shade.

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

Beautiful evergreen plant with large pink flowers with redbuds.

PROBLEMS

When grown in favorable conditions, pests are minimal. In wet conditions, plants will suffer from root rot.

GARDEN USES

Use in mass plantings for a dramatic spring display, or as a specimen in a foundation planting.

HISTORY

Several of our plants have been donated to us by the American Rhododendron Society. The hybrid parents are ‘Jean Marie de Montague’ and ‘R. Yakushamanum.’