RHODODENDRON occidentale. Western azalea. This is one of only two California representatives of this immense genus. It is a deciduous native, highly ornamental in itself and extensively used as a hybrid parent in the Exbury and Knaphill series. Western azalea may grow to 6' or more in height with greater spread, often making thickets. The 3-4" leaves are rather narrow, deeply veined and dark green in color. They may take on brilliant yellow to maroon shades in the fall. Round clusters of flaring white to pink blossoms, usually with an orange blotch on one petal, open in late spring and early summer. They have a sweet, heavy fragrance which fills the air around them.

We continue to offer seedlings of superior parent stock, now from populations in Lake County which show unusual purple tones in new growth and blazing fall color; the flowers are mostly white with plain yellow markings. One clonal selection remains: 'SM189' is one of the Stagecoach Hill selections by Professor Mossman. It has large, ruffled blossoms, white overall but generously shaded with pink and orange. All forms are decidedly less fussy about soil than many rhododendrons, though they need plenty of moisture. All should be hardy nearly to 0^oF.