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Rhododendron Elsie Watson

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Sudden death of one of my favourite rhododendrons.
Rhododendron ‘Elsie Watson’

A very nice hybrid from the famous Frank Fujioka in Seattle,(Washington)

It had a deep purpulish pink ruffled petals and was very showy with contrasting color along the edge of each petal.
Parentage (Seed Parent x Pollen Parent): Anna x Purple Lace

I was happy to find it after I read a story about the lady(Elsie Watson) herself who was a dedicated rhododendron hybridizer herself(for 40+years)

She was of Scandinavian origin and a founding member of the American Rhododendron Society.

Can only speculate but not exactly sure what happened…… and after searching on internet I got a feeling it will be hard to find it again around here.

New leaves in previous years

Last year at this time:

and today:

-——

There are lots of pretty rhododendrons available but sometimes I buy plants for other reason than just their beauty and am very disappointed when they do not do well for me or even die. It is sort of personal and it is not the first time it happened to me.
Welcome to gardening Klahanie.

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Comments

 

Sad that this has happened. Do you think it may revive somehow, if you cut it back maybe ?

I also buy plants for reasons other than beauty. Their name or history also appeals to me.

13 Apr, 2023

 

I'm hoping you can work your magic, Klahanie. Fingers crossed.

14 Apr, 2023

 

Good luck with it, Klahanie. Lovely coloured one.

14 Apr, 2023

 

That's a beautiful Rhodie Klahanie. I don't remember seeing a frilly one before. I hope you can manage to save it. Its
very strange to see that happen all of a sudden.

14 Apr, 2023

 

That is sad Klahanie, that this one isn't looking too healthy this year. I wonder if anything is eating the roots? Or any animal using the area around it? The buds look healthy enough though..

4 May, 2023

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