I've decided that I really love rhododendrons. The flowers are so pretty ... especially the brightly colored ones. These pale colored ones in our yard have little red dots on the insides, which I think is really interesting. They provide a beautiful jolt of color when they're blooming, and when they're not, they are a lovely dark green. (except for the space of time that they have the dead flowers still hanging on them ... that's when they're ugly)
Did you know ...
- There are over 1000 species of rhododendron
- Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal
- Rhododendron is the state flower of West Virginia and Washington
- Rhododendron is the state tree of Sikkim in India
- Rhododendrons grow almost everywhere but Africa and South America
- Rhododendrons were discovered by a 16th century Flemish Botanist
- All the parts of Rhododendrons are dangerous, especially leaves, showing symptoms of stomach irritation, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, convulsions, coma, death. Honey made from the nectar of Rhododendron flowers is also toxic and should not be consumed. (that's nice to know ... they're so prevalent around WA state, don't let your kids eat them!!)
- Rhododendron comes from the Greek words "rodon" which means "rose" and "dendron" which means "tree", hence Rose Tree.
Today I appreciate the splendidness that these lovely flower bring. (It's nice to drive by yards ... especially my own .... and see the stunning colors of these nice flowers)
3 little comments:
Good information and very interesting! Your blooms look wonderful. I am waiting for my pink ones in the back to bloom. They are always late.
How Beautiful! I need to get some Rhodie bushes in my yard! :)
growing up here, I thought everyone had Rhodies. I was so sad when I moved to Utah and they didnt have them. Glad to be back and see them
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