Recommended rhododendron varieties

American Rhododendron Society members compile lists of the best performing rhododendrons for specific areas. They consider a plant's form, foliage and flowers and whether that plant is hardy and resistant to pests and diseases for the given area.

Those listed below have proven their ability to perform well in Illinois gardens.

Yaku Angel

R. yedoense var. poukhanense

R. mucronulatum Cornell Pink

Homebush

Elepidotes (large-leafed evergreen)
'Ken Janeck'
'Mist Maiden'
'Pink Parasol'
'Yaku Angel'
R. brachycarpum
R. brachycarpum ssp.
brachycarpum Tigerstedtii group
R. catawbiense
R. maximum
R. smirnowii

Lepidotes (small-leafed evergreen)
'April Rose'
'Faisa'
'Madison Snow'
'Molly Fordham'
'Mrs. J. A. Withington III'
'Weston's Aglo'
PJM group
R. minus Carolinianum group
R. micranthum
R. mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink'

Deciduous azaleas
'Cannon's Double'
'Carlson's Coral Flameboyant'
'Crimson Tide'
'Homebush'
'White Lights'
R. atlanticum
R. calendulaceum
R. prunifolium
R. vaseyii 'White Find'

Evergreen azaleas
R. kiusianum 'Komo Kulshan'
R. yedoense var. poukhanense
R. yedoense var. poukhanense 'Compactum'

Sources

In addition to the many local garden centers and other outlets which stock the more common hardy azalea and rhododendron cultivars for our area, you may find that only a special variety will do - particularly if the addiction sticks and your collection begins to grow. Though our resident rhodie expert, Bob Gabella, has not yet placed an order with Rare Find, he has ordered from all the remaining sources with excellent results, and each will process an order directly from the Internet.

Carlson's Gardens
www.carlsonsgardens.com
This is the premier source for blooming-sized plants of both deciduous and evergreen azaleas and rhododendrons. Selections include Carlson's famous 'Postscript' series of deciduous azaleas bred from late-flowering native American species, which can extend the bloom season into July. They pack and ship even larger containerized plants with care.

Rare Find Nursery
www.rarefindnursery.com
A very wide selection of both deciduous and evergreen azaleas, as well as rhododendrons, including many of their own seedlings. Shipping sizes vary. All plants are containerized.

Wayside Gardens
www.waysidegardens.com
A more limited selection and some of their plants are for milder climates, so be sure to check the Zone recommendations carefully.

Klehm's Song Sparrow Nursery
www.klehm.com
Also a more limited selection but they are grown in Southern Wisconsin and the company ships beautiful plants, all of which are hardy in our area.

ForestFarm
www.forestfarm.com
Ships both juvenile and blooming-sized plants of several azalea and rhododendron types.