Green Thumb Corner

Rhododendron - Mikkeli, Rhododendron 'Mikkeli', has lush foliage that provides an excellent backdrop for its clusters of beautiful pure white flowers, which have pink and green markings; blooms from late May to early June. Mikkeli is a dense, compact and well-branched variety. It prefers cooler regions and is hardy to at least -29 degrees F. Mikkeli is a late bloomer and grows 6 feet tall and wide. Rhododendrons are ornamental, acidic-soil loving broad-leaf evergreens. They grow best in partial shade. Plant in a location protected from strong winter winds. Mikkeli loves to be planted with pre-moistened peat moss, and well drained soil is a must! Use in mass, group or specimen for shrub borders, mixed borders, woodland gardens and shade gardens.

The Rhododendron Haaga, 'Haaga Rhododendron', is a new, hardy, dwarf variety from the University of Helsinki, Finland. It produces dark pink flowers which contrast nicely with the dark green, coarse foliage. The Haaga will begin to bloom in May. This plant needs excellent drainage, mulching and a peat moss soil additive. Roots will rot in poorly drained soil. It will not do well in windy sites. This dense evergreen shrub is a highly valued landscape ornamental. The large groups of showy pink flowers appear on even young plants. The Haaga is a very effective accent plant.

The Rhododendron Nova Zembla, 'Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla', is a dense-growing, small evergreen shrub that displays large trusses of flowers. The red flowers will appear in mid spring. The Nova Zembla is very effective as an accent plant. For best results, feed with an acid fertilizer after bloom and keep the roots cool with a thick layer of mulch. This plant will attract butterflies and other wildlife. It is generally heat and sun tolerant and perhaps the most widely grown and successful red hybrid for harsh climates.

Rhododendron - Roseum Elegans, Rhododendron 'Roseum Elegans', produces stunning lilac pink flowers in numerous rounded trusses on a vigorous, upright and spreading shrub. Ball-shaped truss holds about 20 flowers. It has olive green foliage and grows 5' in ten years. Rhododendrons are ornamental, acidic-soil loving broad-leaf evergreens. They grow best in partial shade. Plant in a location protected from strong winter winds. Roseum Elegans loves to be planted with pre-moistened peat moss, and well drained soil is a must! Use in mass, group or specimen for shrub borders, mixed borders, woodland gardens and shade gardens.

The Azalea, White Mollis Hybrid, Rhododendron x kosteranum, is a lush, deciduous shrub that bears a splendid supply of spectacular white funnel-shaped blooms in an unsurpassed brilliance in spring and early summer. White Mollis bears large clusters of 2 to 3 inch flowers and has been hybridized to be hardy even in more northern parts of the country. Flowers are borne in large, showy trusses in mid-spring just before the leaves emerge. The deciduous hybrid azalea is known for excellent fall color and unsurpassed spring flowers. If given too much shade or if plants are allowed to get too dry in midsummer, blooming will be reduced the following year. This azalea needs full sun. White Mollis also requires acidic soils and excellent drainage. This azalea is usually trouble free if planted correctly in proper cultural conditions.

The Azalea, Orange Mollis Hybrid, Rhododendron x kosteranum, is a lush, deciduous shrub that bears a splendid range of colors from cream to rich yellow, to orange and orange-red in an unsurpassed brilliance in spring and early summer. Orange Mollis bears large clusters of 2 to 3 inch flowers and has been hybridized to be hardy even in more northern parts of the country. If given too much shade, or if plants are allowed to get too dry in midsummer, blooming will be reduced the following year. This azalea needs full sun. Orange Mollis also requires acidic soils and excellent drainage. This azalea is usually trouble free if planted correctly in proper cultural conditions.