Thursday, May 31, 2012

Rhododendron Bush Bursting with Blooms!


The first spring we lived in this house, I had no idea what one of the big bushes was in the front yard. 


 It burst into glorious lavender blooms, almost overnight, and I was told it was a rhododendron bush. 


 Every spring since then, I look forward to the rhododendron bush blooming. 

It's so spectacular to see but goes by kind of quickly so one must savor every second of its beauty.


Did you know that the rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal?  I didn't either until I started doing a little online research.



Also learned that the roots of the plant's name are Greek.  "Rhoden" means rose in that language and "dendron" is tree.  So, it comes out to rose tree!


Another little tidbit I came across is that one must never ever eat any part of this plant. It would be quite toxic!  


 As a matter of fact, people who have eaten honey made from the nectar of rhododendron have regretted it.  Uh oh. That doesn't sound too good, does it?


 I just love the sound of this plant's name when it rolls off the tongue...rhododendron! It sounds so unique and intriguing. 



When we were kids, my father used to make up stories for us before we went to bed. I remember how he'd scare the bazookers out of us with tales of the "rhododunti." 



 Watch out if the rhododunti was after you! We'd scream and scrunch down under our covers, quaking with fear. 




Now I wonder if my Dad's rhododunti was a derivative of this flower. Guess I'll never know.

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH RHODODENDRONS? WHAT ELSE DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THEM?

14 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

Gosh you got me here - I love to look at them and they are beautiful - like the rain drops on yours - but I don't know all that much - thanks for the information. Sandie

middle child said...

I love that your dad made up stories for you.

Unknown said...

They are magnificent bushes and can be huge, I love the variety of colors they usually have.
I love these photos. Have a great day.

Eva

Linda O'Connell said...

They are beautiful and remind me of the bushes along the interstates in Florida.

Nellie said...

There is as Rhododendron Festival in Roan Mountain, TN in June, as well as in North Carolina, just across the mountain. There are amazing blooms, growing naturally, at the park on top of the mountain. Absolutely gorgeous! We had a beautiful one at our other house, but our efforts to have one here have not been successful. I look at them as a natural part of our succession of blooming plants in the spring and summer months.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Not familiar with them but they are lovely! Hugs, Linda

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

We were in Nepal last summer and saw so many blooming plants. I'm sure there was a rhododendron in there somewhere. :) Hope your day is great. Tammy

Red Rose Alley said...

Yes, I have always loved this flower, but I wasn't familiar with its name. These pictures are so are full of beauty. I bet you hid under the covers when your dad told you all those stories. Lovely pictures, my friend.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Donna said...

Beautiful photos. The bushes are glorious.

Jen Beaudet said...

They are beautiful! I didn't know anything about hem but now I do. Good to know not to eat them!:) I love moving to a new house and being surprised by all the beautiful blooms! Thank you so much for your visit!
Jenniferxoxo

The Old Parsonage said...

Hi Susan

you have been one busy girl since my last visit. I love rhodies - the flowers are gorgeous.

Enjoy your week and thanks for stopping by.

Leann

chrisartist said...

Hi Susan
Thank you for becoming my 40th follower.
I wondered who that would be. I'm delighted it's you.
My father had two massive rhodo bushes in the garden.
They were stunning. As much as I love gardens, I havnt planted one. Yet!!
Thanks for reminding me.
Chris
Australia

Unknown said...

Those are so pretty, even the bud is gorgeous. I have never heard of that plant. How long does it keep budding? I have a perfect spot for this plant if it will grow in my zone. I wrote the name down and will check my zone. If it will grow where I am, I'm picking this up the next time I go to home depot. LOL @ your Dad and his stories!

Jil~Say It With Roses said...

Hi Susan,
I love knowing what Rhododendron means and it is perfectly named!
Did you know that it is also the Washington State flower? That is where I first became acquainted with them...they are everywhere up there and in all colors!

Had to giggle about your dad scaring you with the rhodundunti story! lol!
♥ Jil
I have become your new follower!

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