2007 Rhododendron of the Year : 'Bixby'
My small Japanese azalea 'Yuka' finally bit the dust this past winter. I liked it because it bloomed later than other azaleas and the fact that it was only a foot tall and evergreen. So I went in search of a hardier replacement.
The Mezzitts' of suburban Boston are well known hybridizers of Rhododendrons that are outstanding in their hardiness for northern climates. Their best known and most popular Rhodos are the 'PJM' and 'Olga Mezitt ' , or Mr. and Mrs. Rhodo as I call them ( PJM stands for Peter J. Mezitt and Olga is named for his wife ). They developed 'Bixby' from the Poukhanense and another variety to get a very cold hardy compact and floriferous azalea.
I planted my new azalea today and can't wait to see it in full bloom.
The Mezzitts' of suburban Boston are well known hybridizers of Rhododendrons that are outstanding in their hardiness for northern climates. Their best known and most popular Rhodos are the 'PJM' and 'Olga Mezitt ' , or Mr. and Mrs. Rhodo as I call them ( PJM stands for Peter J. Mezitt and Olga is named for his wife ). They developed 'Bixby' from the Poukhanense and another variety to get a very cold hardy compact and floriferous azalea.
I planted my new azalea today and can't wait to see it in full bloom.
Wow, this is a new one to me... do you think it's going to be as hardy as poukh? That would be something.
ReplyDeleteDon
Hi Don,
ReplyDeleteI'm about to find out : ) If it makes it through the Chicago winters it's a winner . It's crossed with 'Vuyk's scarlet' ( R. Kaempferi ) another hardy one. I just love the color and size.
I just love azaleas. Nothing says spring like blooming azaleas.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
You are SO right, Jan. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteTaking note of this, Carolyn! Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteSpectacular!
ReplyDelete