Rhododendrons Bloom in January
Carrie Nelson submitted several photos of a rhododendron blooming brightly in her garden in mid-January. Although the label has not been visible for years, she believes it may be Rhododendron nobleanum ‘Venestum’
Rhododendron nobleanum ‘Venustum' is a lovely dome-shaped plant that grows to about 2 metres in height. It has narrow, dark green leaves, felted silvery beneath. Compact trusses of mid-pink flowers, spotted dark pink in the throat, flower in late winter to early spring, or even earlier in winter in a particularly mild season.
Lovely silvery indumentum on the dark green leaf of Carrie’s rhododendron
Carrie would be interested in hearing from other members who may grow Rhododendron nobleanum ‘Venustum’ in their gardens, to help confirm the identity of her rhododendron.
During her visit to Tofino several weeks ago, Carrie Nelson paused by Ken Gibson’s former garden and took a photograph of his spectacular legacy.
The garden has matured into a unique rhododendron forest.
For many years, it was a destination garden for guests from around the world.