Sunday, December 12, 2010

TODAY'S FLOWERS ~ White Rhododendron


A white rhododendron blooms in my wilderness that once was
my perfect Mt.Lofty garden. Though it looks small, this old old
rhododendron is a survivor of a number of bushfires that have
burned it to the ground since it first took root here in the 1850's.


The last fire that tried to murder it was in 1983, it took three
years for it to show new signs of life.


No one knows its name, it has been lost for a long time. I
started asking old nursery men forty years ago but no one
new of its heritage. I have many modern, large flowered
rhododendrons in my garden yet this one is still my favourite.



All photos enlarge if you wish.

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and join in with Luiz Santilli Jr. and the TODAY'S FLOWER Team

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35 comments:

  1. Digital Flower PicturesDecember 12, 2010 at 5:49 AM

    Well its hard to track down specific rhododendrons, I know I have tried. The first place to start is trying to figure out the parentage (or species) and working form there. If I had to guess yours looks like 'Cunningham's Blush' from the flowers. It is also a cultivar that blooms a week or two before most others in the area.

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  2. eileeninmdDecember 12, 2010 at 6:05 AM

    The rhododendron is beautiful, I like this color.

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  3. LarryDecember 12, 2010 at 6:12 AM

    What a spectacular plant... lush and strong because of the very adversity it has experienced... there is a bit of a lesson for us humans in that I think! this is an excellent post! Larry

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  4. CarverDecember 12, 2010 at 6:37 AM

    The rhododendron is so beautiful and amazing how long it has survived. I had a rhododendron that I loved but it was lost to a drought we had. Amazing this one has made it through your droughts.

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  5. Anne Huskey-LockardDecember 12, 2010 at 6:39 AM

    Delightful photos and story---what a tenacious shrub!
    I especially enjoy seeing the photos as I am sitting in frigid Indiana, awaiting the rest of a winter storm that shall pass through and have me moving like a tree sloth.....
    You brightened my day!

    XXOO~~♥
    Anne

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  6. LuiDecember 12, 2010 at 6:54 AM

    They all look gorgeous!
    Don't you feel lucky to be basking in sunny weather when everyone is having winter snow? ;-)

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  7. Ruth HiebertDecember 12, 2010 at 7:10 AM

    I can see why this would be your favorite.It is gorgeous.
    Blessings,Ruth

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  8. UnknownDecember 12, 2010 at 8:16 AM

    gorgeous! i'd love to have this in m garden.:p

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  9. Sylvia KDecember 12, 2010 at 8:53 AM

    I do love the rhododendrons and this one is exquisite. I, too, love the color! For me, being able to see flowers blooming is always a delight -- at this time of year even photos are life giving! Hope you have a wonderful week!

    Sylvia

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  10. AnonymousDecember 12, 2010 at 9:05 AM

    Very beautiful flowers and pictures!!
    Wünsche Dir eine gute Adventszeit,
    Gisela.

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  11. http://graceolsson.com/blogDecember 12, 2010 at 10:46 AM

    ALL ARE VERY NICE BUT

    MY FAVORITE IS THE LAST ONE...CONGRATS
    http://graceolsson.com/blog/2010/12/the-faces-of-linda-lindberg/

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  12. CassieDecember 12, 2010 at 11:13 AM

    Lovely shots of the rhodies! I have some bushes that even though we're in the wrong planting zone seem to never say "die"!

    Btw, I hope I didn't offend when saying you're poem was deep. I meant it as a compliment, saying I am basically too dense to comprehend some things!! As far as me maybe having "led a beautiful life of no regrets in love or are too young yet to empathise" I have to say with a wry smile: Oh my, I've had a good long life for sure...Some unfortunate loves but always learned from them.Without regrets, would I be human? I like the idea that I might be too young!! I'm trying to keep a young mind for sure! You have a good week, and once again, I apologize if my previous comment offended you. Best wishes.

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  13. CassieDecember 12, 2010 at 11:17 AM

    Oh, meant to give you my ShadowShots blog address:

    http://www.inamazinggraceland.blogspot.com/

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  14. GaelynDecember 12, 2010 at 11:27 AM

    Such a beautiful survivor. In the SW Oregon forest I once lived in early summer brought many wild rhododendrons. Their frilly flowers sure dress up the lush green. It's so wonderful to see your blooms this summer as I know it's been awhile.

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  15. CindyDecember 12, 2010 at 12:44 PM

    What a survivor! Such a beautiful rhododendron.

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  16. PennyDecember 12, 2010 at 12:58 PM

    beautiful.

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  17. Chubskulit RoseDecember 12, 2010 at 2:03 PM

    That's gorgeous!

    daffodils

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  18. ElaineDecember 12, 2010 at 4:39 PM

    I can see why you are parital to this lovely rhody! It's beautiful and its hardiness is amazing.

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  19. Luiz Santilli JrDecember 12, 2010 at 5:21 PM

    Hi my friend Arija

    Marvelous post for TODAY'S FLOWERS always!
    Thanks for posting for us!
    I'm inviting you to be our Guest Friend at 09th January!
    I'm waitng your agree!

    Luiz

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  20. Bella SinclairDecember 12, 2010 at 6:01 PM

    I know the name of that beautiful rhodie. It's called the Arija.

    xoxo

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  21. AnonymousDecember 12, 2010 at 6:21 PM

    With some years of hard work it looks like it is on its way to a full recovery. The flowers are really nice.

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  22. KristinDecember 13, 2010 at 3:05 AM

    What lovely photos! I can almost smell the fragrant of the flowers in the air.

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  23. AnonymousDecember 13, 2010 at 3:42 AM

    Beautiful bush! And so resilient too. It’s stands as an excellent example to us all.

    Have a nice day, Boonie

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  24. Luiz Santilli JrDecember 13, 2010 at 4:21 AM

    Hi Arija
    Thanks for your reply!
    This black rose is called "Príncipe Negro" or in English "Negro Prince"!
    It's really very beautiful!!!

    Hugs

    Luiz

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  25. BLOGitseDecember 13, 2010 at 4:41 AM

    How funny you having white flowers and we have white nature painted with a lot of snow...

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  26. CanadianGardenJoyDecember 13, 2010 at 4:55 AM

    Hello Arija : )
    That is a beautiful and mysterious Rhodo to have grace your garden : )
    White is a shining light in our place of peace isn't it ? .. so pretty and comforting in a way .. and such a history ! That is an amazing survivor for sure : )
    Joy

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  27. NatureFootstepDecember 13, 2010 at 5:34 AM

    lol, this is one of my favourites. Your shots are great!

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  28. Dejemonos sorprenderDecember 13, 2010 at 6:20 AM

    Mmm. so beautiful flowers.. nice captures..

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  29. LonaDecember 13, 2010 at 9:38 AM

    Oh, one of my favorite blooms!It is so wonderful to see Rhododendron blooms today when the snow is blowing all around the house outdoors. Gives me something to hope for for Spring. They are just beautiful!

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  30. RajeshDecember 13, 2010 at 12:04 PM

    Beautiful flowers. Lovely color combination.

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  31. LuziaDecember 13, 2010 at 12:29 PM

    Eine sehr elegante Pflanze, die mich immer an englische Gartenkunser erinnert. Liebe Grüße von Luzia.

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  32. PrairieWalkerDecember 13, 2010 at 4:42 PM

    Beautiful floral photos! I have but one large rhododendron. It is over 30 years old but still blooms fully every May. Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  33. Míriam LuizaDecember 13, 2010 at 5:41 PM

    Estas flores me lembram os lírios. Lindas fotos!

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  34. Gina AlfaniDecember 14, 2010 at 2:27 PM

    Gorgeous shrub!! I love the white with hints of pink contrast against the leaves . . . love them!

    Thanks for visiting my blog :)

    Have a wonderful day . . . Gina

    http://subtropical-gardening.blogspot.com

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  35. CarlettaDecember 14, 2010 at 6:01 PM

    I'm late getting around this week. :(
    These are beautiful!
    The Rhododendron is the state flower here in West Virginia, USA!
    A mountainside filled with bushes is a beautiful sight in some of our more mountainous areas.
    I have one bush in my yard that the dear keep nibbling. We have penned it off this year hoping for blooms next spring. :)

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