Rhododendron.
The name comes from Greek – meaning "rose tree" – and there's more than 1,000 species of rhododendrons in the world, one of which is Washington state's official flower.
In …
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These rhododendron flowers were found blooming in front of Key City Public Theatre in downtown Port Townsend. The rhododendron is Washington state's flower, and the namesake of the annual Rhododendron Festival. There are more than 1,000 species in the worlds, with one native to this area. Robert Zimmermann, of Chimacum Woods, said the bloom in this photo is most likely a hybrid.
Rhododendron.
The name comes from Greek – meaning "rose tree" – and there's more than 1,000 species of rhododendrons in the world, one of which is Washington state's official flower.
In Jefferson County, the rhododendrons seen growing in the woods are native to this area. They are called macrophyllum, and are an evergreen.
"They're the pink ones," explained Robert Zimmermann, of Chimacum Woods, a nursery specializing in rhododendrons.
Macrophyllum means "big leaf," but, Zimmermann said, some species have much larger leaves, up to 3 feet.
Zimmermann said rhododendrons occur in the Northern hemisphere all around the globe. A common remark from visitors at Chimacum Woods is, "That's a rhody?! They don't look like what's found on the streets in Port Townsend!" Zimmermann said, noting many rhododendrons people see around town are most likely hybrids, unless they are growing naturally in the woods.
The Northwest also has another native species that is found in California and Oregon, and another, albiflorum, found on Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.
Zimmermann was introduced to his first rhododendron 40 years ago. He bought a plant for his garden, and propagated it.
"I had two then, and it was downhill from there," he said.
Chimacum Woods, located between Port Ludlow and Shine, on a hill overlooking the Hood Canal, has a couple hundred species now, and the community is welcome to tour the grounds between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during Rhododendron Festival weekend, May 19-20.
Zimmermann said the main thing rhodies need to thrive is good rainage.
"Most don't like the hot afternoon sun," he said.
He also suggests giving them fertilizer on Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.
"That's the Chimacum Woods trademark," he said. "It's gotten to be a joke."
For more information about how to care for your rhododendrons, visit chimacumwoods.com. More information can also be found at the American Rhododendron Society website at rhododendron.org. A local chapter, typically meets on the first Thursday of every month at Tri-Area Community Center, 10 West Valley Road, Chimacum.
