Obligatory Rhododendron

Day 247: When you are a homeowner in western Washington, it is almost obligatory that you plant a rhododendron in your yard. After all, the shrub is our state flower. The large-flowered native variety R. macrophyllum carries masses of pinkish-white blooms resembling those of the commercial cultivars, but most people are unaware that there are species with smaller white or cream flowers, and even one known as "False Huckleberry" which has small bell-shaped blossoms. In all, there are six native Rhododendrons, only one of which looks like the ones you see in peoples' yards. That said, the commercial plants do very well here, growing quickly into large bushes, at least in areas where the deer and elk don't keep them pruned back. This is the first year since I planted mine that Bambi has allowed it to bloom.