R. 'Noyo Star'

A new and exciting hybrid by Ken Jones of Fort Bragg, CA. He created it by crossing the truly purple 'Red Eye' with the flashy hybrid 'Grandma's Hat'. The results have to be seen to believed. The tight ball shaped trusses are a rich purple with a white throat and a bright yellow flare in the upper lobe to add a glow. The plant is a large grower with nice dark green leaves. I would expect it to be hardy to zone 7 for sure, but maybe even to zone 6 if in a protected spot. Congrats to Ken for such a showy new rhododendron.