Black Widow

A "black-maroon" flowering rhododendron that is better than the photos or the descriptions.  We finally have some plants to sell of this brand new hybrid from the Thompson Nursery in Oregon.  To get this color, Roy Thompson crossed the very dark purple hybrid 'Frank Gallsworthy' with a dark red hybrid named 'Leo'.  Then, after selecting the darkest flowering plant from this batch of seedlings, he was able to make the cross with 'Warlock', a very dark maroon rhododendron.  The results couldn't be better.  Everyone who sees this plant in flower is quite impressed.  Not recommended for hot, humid climates. This hard to find and hard to propagate rhododendron is considered 'RARE'. 

*Rare

*Shade lover