View Photo - Rhododendron Hybrid Garden Sign - Photo

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Puget Sound
Rhododendron Hybrid Garden

Diversity:
The genus Rhododendron, well know for extravagant flowers and foliage, exhibit a remarkable diversity of size, form, and color. Rhododendron species are found from arctic to equatorial regions and range in size from a few inches to sixty feet tall.

Pacific Northwest Popularity:
The Pacific Northwest climate is amenable to a wide range of Rhododendron species and hybrids and is regarded as the best region for growing rhododendrons in the United States. It has been a center of rhododendron hybridization for several decades, with over 2,000 cultivars named.

Arboretum Collection:
Rhododendron is one of the most important genera in the collections of the Washington Park Arboretum. Approximately 700 different kinds are grown Arboretum wide.

History:
In the Puget Sound region, rhododendron hybridization began in the early 1940's. it started from seed sent from England in efforts to save breeding stock from bombing raids during the war. A local nurseryman, Halfdan Lem, sparked the hybridization work that has led many others in the region to develop and name hundreds of rhododendrons. This work continues today.

The Garden:
This garden area is divided into three general time periods, and features over 150 hybrids. Here is an excellent opportunity for visitors to follow the evolution of Puget Sound rhododendron hybrids developed since the 1940's. It is a historical record and a tribute to the outstanding work done by rhododendron breeders of the Puget Sound region.

Contributors:
This project was supported by the Arboretum Foundation and many rhododendron enthusiasts who have provided expertise, plant material and assistance.