R. occidentale 'Leonard Frisbee'

This form of Rhododendron occidentale was found by Britt Smith and Frank Mossman in the 1970’s on Stagecoach Hill, above Big Lagoon here in Humboldt County, California. There are many unusual and fabulous forms of the Western Azalea that have been named and registered, but this is considered by many as the ‘cream of the crop’. Deep pink and white striped buds open to star shaped, flat-faced flowers with pink shading on all but the upper petal, which sports a golden/orange flare. What a showy flower...the photos do not do it justice...one must see it up close and personal. The plant will grow to 4-5 ft. tall in 10 years, and flowers in June.