Several deciduous azalea species are Asian natives, including
Rhododendron schlippenbachii from Korea with its magnificent
pink to white blooms in early spring. Rhododendron molle
from China and R. japonicum from Japan are also fine species,
and were extensively used in the early Mollis and Ghent deciduous azalea
hybrids as well as the Knap Hill and Exbury Hybrids which followed.
These deciduous azalea hybrid groups were crosses of some of our
own beautiful native species with the larger flowered forms from
the Orient. I have enjoyed continuing some of the breeding lines in
these beautiful deciduous azaleas, and have even registered a couple
of hybrids including Yellow Cloud, which appeared on the
cover of the American Rhododendron Society Journal after it took
"Best Deciduous Azalea" at the National Convention in 1982.
Knap Hill and Mollis Azaleas
My Knap Hill Hybrid, Yellow Cloud
Exbury Hybrid, Marina
Exbury Hybrid, Cecile
Closing Thoughts
The Asian influence in my rhododendron and azalea garden is
everywhere. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the plant explorers,
nurseries, and private gardeners who have introduced and preserved
so many fine clones over the past centuries. Without the care and
foresight of these collectors, we would not have so rich a palette
of plant materials from which to choose today. I hope we have the
wisdom to carry on their noble tradition, preserving our native
plant heritage, protecting our environment from invasive imports,
yet continuing to enrich our gardens with choice species from abroad.
