Wednesday, June 5, 2013

A Floral Inheritance


Moving into a home where others have previously  lived has its advantages.It's almost inevitable there will be some plants in the yard that the new owners will inherit.



That's the case with a huge rhododendron bush in our front yard.  


From the size of it, it's been around a long time. 


 The house, itself, was built in 1935.


Our rhododendron bush has light lavender colored flowers that seem to go from buds to full blown, gorgeous flowers almost overnight.

A house down the street has the deepest and most gorgeous cranberry color imaginable. 



I'd like to ask the neighbor for a cutting.

According to Wikipedia, the name rhododendron means "rose tree" in Greek.


 There is an American Rhododendron Society , based in Niagra Falls, N.Y., apparently with chapters all over the USA and Canada. 



There are also chapters in Denmark, Finland, Holland, Scotland, Sweden and Sikkim.



There are Asian rhododendron species that grow in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, western China,  northern India, Burma and Assam, according to the society's website.

There are also species native to Japan, Europe and eastern and western North America, it was noted. 

Check out their website for more detailed information on this plant.



Rhododendrons come in several different colors and I think they are all lovely.

 






































DO  RHODODENDRONS GROW WHERE YOU LIVE?

14 comments:

Lady Linda said...

Good morning Susan, I like your picture by the way. Thanks for visiting me...I have missed blogging.
Rhodies are really big here in Oregon and even grow wild up in the forest around MT Hood. I love them but my hubby doesn't! He removed a very big one in front of our house when we first moved in and hit his back in the process...sigh. Now he doesn't like them! I need to check out your previous blog!

diane.stetson said...

No they don't grow where I live but I inherited gorgeous smelling jasmine bushes in the front yard and they are white and I LOVE them. Your flowers are such pretty colors.

Glenda said...

There are many rhododendron bushes in this part of the country, but I have never seen one like a Facebook friend has. She is in New Jersey, and has two lovely deep pink bushes that are almost as tall as her house!! I don't know whether she should prune them or not, but they are simply breathtaking in the pictures she posts!

This post reminds me of the time, 44 years ago, when we moved into a little house that had some peonies and iris in the front yard. My dear husband, who does not like for anything to be in his way, simply mowed them all down. Here at the apartment, there are some bushes of some sort, but they do not bloom, and the grounds are not our responsibility. I do enjoy looking at the results of other people's diligence.

Dee said...

Thankfully they do...♥ You are fortunate to have such a pretty one :)

Suzan said...

Wish we had rhododendrons in your yard! Have to go to the river or up into the mountains along the creeks and rivers to find them. They are lovely!!

Unknown said...

Hello from Spain: they do not grow where I live. I like your flowers. Your garden is always very pretty. Nice pics. Keep in touch

marianne said...

Yes, we have a rhododendron that is a darker pink; almost shocking pink! So beautiful against the green leaves. The blossoms are huge and just one in a milk glass vase looks so enchanting on the bathroom sink.

Interesting facts about the plant, also. Enjoyed your pictures.

Unknown said...

These are gorgeous Susan, beautiful colours. There is a lovely garden in Gothenburg where there's a lot of rhododendron in many colours, I love them.

Susan said...

Rhodies are actually our state flower!, so yes, they grow here! Mine have been blooming in order of color; the lighter ones first and now the deep, hot pink, which is magnificent. You have lovely bushes, my friend, XOXO

Nellie said...

Oh, yes! In fact, there is a Rhododendron Festival on Roan Mountain between NC and TN. We went one year, and the rhododendrons on the top of the mountain are absolutely gorgeous! We have just set one out here this spring. We had a large one at the other house.

Merlesworld said...

Not seen a lot of them here but down south in Melbourne I think they grow better, we might be a bit humid in summer.
Merle.......

Chatty Crone said...

Your photos are gorgeous! I don't have them myself - but they must be everywhere around here! sandie

janice15 said...

Love your flowers nice that your inherit them. with love Janice

Kit said...

No, sadly they will not grow here. But when we take our annual trip to Oregon, they have them there for me to enjoy. Your photos are great! Kit

Related Posts with Thumbnails