By proclamation of the Mayor of Florence, Oregon, October is “Plant a Rhododendron Month” and the Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is offering tips on growing beautiful rhodies in your garden. "October is an ideal month to plant and transplant rhodies because the new growth has hardened on the plant and the winter rains are just around the corner," explains our Chapter President, Mike Bones. "There are more than 20,000 hybrid rhodies and almost 1,000 species so when it comes to selecting a rhody for the garden there are plenty of choices. The rhododendron is a very versatile family and an informed choice can bring you many years of enjoyment."

The spot in the garden in which to plant the rhody can be important. Many rhodies are very hardy and grow well in the coastal climate; however, some rhodies are tropical and must be protected in the cooler winter temperatures on the coast; some like sun while others prefer shade; some are wind sensitive while others can tolerate the coastal winds; some grow as tall as 20 feet while others are small enough for a rock garden.

"Yet even when you believe you have selected the right rhody for your garden, you can be fooled," according to Chapter President, Mike Bones, of Bones Nursery. "There are many micro-climates along the coast and when a rhody does not seem to like one spot in the yard, it can be transplanted to another spot and live happily ever after."

Rhodies come in a color palette ranging from all shades of pink, red, yellow, lavender, orange and white. Azaleas, which are in the rhododendron family, tend to complete the color wheel with brilliant shades of orange and purple in addition to the other rhody colors. Some flowers have "blotches" (a spot of different color, usually in the throat of the flower) or a color on the edges of the petals, and some are even tri-colored.

Because rhodies bloom most abundantly in April and May, avid "rhodaholics" look beyond the flower to the leaves and stems of the plants to bring color and interest to the garden. Leaves come in many sizes and shapes. They can be smaller than the little fingernail or a foot long. Some have indumentum -- a hairy covering that tints the leaf gray, yellow or even red. Some leaves are various shade of green and there are some that are variegated. Stems can be assorted colors, including red, and some have bark that peels leaving interesting patterns and colors.

Local member nurseries of the Siuslaw Chapter have a large selection of rhodies available and are offering a discount during October when you mention, "Plant a Rhody Month". Participating nurseries are Thompson's Nursery in Waldport, Bones Nursery north of Florence, and Shepherd's Gardens south of Florence. Even though the rhodies are not in bloom in October, the nurseries often have pictures of the plants in bloom and can help with the selection.

Be sure to look at the list of recommendations by our own Chapter Board.

One might also check out the American Rhododendron Society website for information and pictures of rhododendrons and azaleas.