What Grows There :: Hugh Conlon, Horticulturalist, Garden Advisor, and Photographer

Tough Colorful Lantanas

Posted by Hugh on May 7th, 2026

Lantanas are popular flowering perennials in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 and are heavily planted as annuals in zones 7 and 8. In areas where growing seasons are long, native lantanas are also dependable shrubs in Florida, South Texas, or Southern California. Lantana shrubs may reach up to 6 feet tall in tropical climates. In cool temperate regions potted lantanas may be overwintered in a hobby greenhouse or unheated sunroom.

The most popular lantanas are the non-native L. camara. Varieties offer more color choices, are more floriferous, and grow more compact. L. camara are also grown in containers including hanging baskets. Annual lantana series include Luscious®, Shamrock™, Bandana™, and Lucky™. Plants bloom from late spring until the cool days of fall arrive. Flower heads are small globes of tiny florets. Cultivars come in a wide array of colors from rose pink, yellow, orange or a combination of many flowers.

Lantanas prefer full sun and can grow upright, mounded, spreading, and trailing– depending on cultivar. Feed newly set transplants with a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote™ or Nutrikote™. An alternative feeding program is to apply a water-soluble product such as Miracle-Gro™, Peters™, or Daniels™ every 6-8 weeks from spring planting time up to late August. Lantanas prosper in a slightly acidic pH soil.

‘Luscious Berry Blend’ lantana in container

Disease prevention of problems is always your best alternative. Set lantanas in well-drained soil with good air circulation around plants. Lantana may on occasion succumb to root rot or powdery mildew, particularly when summer weather is unusally wet.

Lantanas are deer resistant and the flowers are favorites of hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Berries can be toxic to pets and humans and leaves may cause a rash for some people. Some environmentalists classify native lantanas as invasive because birds feed on the abundant berries and distribute the seeds over many miles.

Sooty mold, caused by insect feeding by aphids, mites, and whiteflies, turns leaf surfaces and stems black. Problem pests can be sprayed with several kinds of pesticides or washed off. Occasionally, lantanas may be troubled by tiny sap-sucking lacebugs which may result in leaf drop.

Generally listed as flowering annuals, ‘New Gold’, ‘Chapel Hill Yellow’, ‘Ham & ’Eggs’, and ‘Miss Huff’ may perennialize in parts of the mid-South region (Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina – USDA hardiness zone 7a). Ideally, these varieties should be planted in spring thru mid-summer, so their roots become deeply rooted before winter arrives. Hopefully, their first winter is not severe and plants will perennialize.

‘Miss Huff’ lantana at Cheekwood Gardens in Nashville, TN

Ashe Magnolia – A Very Special Small Tree

Posted by Hugh on April 27th, 2026

Ashe magnolia (Magnolia ashei) is a small 10-20 feet deciduous tree with enormous size flowers and leaves (zone (5)6-9). Each white flowers may measure 6- 12 inches across with a purple blotch at the base of 3 inner petal-like tepals. Ashe magnolia blooms in late May – early June here in Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina. Many of the blooms may be hidden within the large almost tropical-like foliage.

Among the large leaf magnolias, Ashe magnolia grows the shortest, the so-called “runt of the litter”. Its deciduous leaves may be 2-3 feet long and up to a foot wide. Leaves are wider near the tip than at the stem, green on the upper surface and whitish beneath. When fully open, the citrus-scented white blossoms expose a purple blotch in center are up to 6 inches long and about half as wide. Ashe magnolia blooms at an early age, usually when only 4-6 feet tall. It may bloom as early as three years from seed.

Ashe magnolia is an understory tree, growing in day-long dappled sunlight or in morning only sun. Allow Ashe magnolia plenty of room to grow, good light, and humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Lightly mulch around the tree to a depth of 2-3 inches annually. Over the active growing period, water the tree every 2-3 weeks over the 1-2 years until it’s established.

Ashe magnolia on the campus of East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Ashe Magnolia rarely needs to be fertilized unless grown in a container. Ashe magnolia does not do well in hot and dry conditions. The grand champion tree is 44 feet high in Montgomery County in Pennsylvania. Plant in a sheltered site away from strong winds that can shred the papery leaves and break brittle branches. Prune in late winter or late summer to avoid excessive bleeding of sap. Light annual pruning is usually the rule to maintain the tree’s desired framework.

Disease and pest problems are rare if Ashe magnolia is properly sited and maintained. Annually inspect for bacterial leaf spot, spot anthracnose, canker, dieback, butt rot, powdery mildew, anthracnose, fungal leaf spots, weevils, snails, scale insects, thrips, planthoppers. Leaf drop can become a leaf-raker’s nightmare in the fall.

Ashe magnolia is a plant collector’s treasure. It can be purchased from an e-mail specialty plant nursery. Request the seed provenance and purchase a mid-Atlantic or mid-South seed source.

Rex Begonia Vine

Posted by Hugh on April 20th, 2026

Rex begonia vine (Cissus discolor), also called tapestry vine, is a colorful tropical vining plant that is native to Southeast Asia. This vine flaunts a similar leaf shape and color as rex begonias plants; however, it is tropical vine that belongs in the grape family (Vitaceae). If a 1-gallon plant is set out mid-June may reach 10-12 feet by the end of the season. (USDA hardiness zones 11-12).

Rex Begonia vine growing in tropical greenhouse

Rex vine is identified by its vivid red or pink stems and climbs via curly tendrils up a tree or trellis. Its colorful, heart-shaped leaves are silvery gray with green veining on top. The undersides and outer edges of the leaves are purple or red, as are the petioles that connect the foliage to the main stem.

Grow Rex vine as a hanging plant or let it climb to a trellis, moss pole, or other vertical support climb. Rex vine clings to rough gritty surfaces like brick or stucco siding of a house.

Site this vine where it will receive bright, indirect light. Where it is indigenous naturally climbs up trees in tropical forests, so it grows best in part sun. It prefers warm temperatures, bright indirect light, and a moist, well-drained soil. Avoid direct sunlight which can burn plant foliage.

Plant Rex vine in a well-drained peat/bark/perlite potting mix that with good moisture holding capacity. You can use standard houseplant potting mix or add four parts perlite and one part compost to five parts potting mix to add extra drainage and nutrients. Water when the soil surface has just begun to dry out. Make certain Rex vine isn’t standing in water, which can cause root rot.

As a house plant Rex vine prefers room temperatures between 60 – 80°F. Temps in the low 40’s may injure the plant. This tropical plant thrives in high summer humidity outdoors. Feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once monthly during spring thru autumn growing period. Do not fertilize from mid-November thru late winter indoors.

Rex vine can be grown as a houseplant indoors year-round in any climate. In temperate climates, the plant can be kept outdoors in summer. Bring the plant inside once night temperatures fall below 60°F. In temperate climates (zones 6-7), it is sold in the spring at many full-time garden centers.

Some Southern gardeners grow Rex vine as a foliage house plant, or summer annual, permitting it die in winter and planting another the following year. In zones 11 and 12, it grows outdoors year-round in partial shade to prevent leaf burn in a few hours in direct sunlight.

Stem cuttings may be rooted in water or in soil in the spring or summer months. Repot your plant every 1-2 years, usually in springtime. Use a container that is 1-2 inches larger than the previous pot and replace the potting mix with fresh soil.

Inspect leaves every few weeks for mealybugs and spider mites. If needed, treat insects with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Powdery and/or downy mildew and root rot may be disease problems caused by crowded plants, poor soil drainage, or overwatering.

Rex vine needs bright, indirect light to maintain its bright, distinctive coloring. A lack of light could cause the plant to lose its variegation. If this happens to your plant, move it to a brighter spot, taking care to make sure that it’s out of direct sunlight.

Leaf loss, particularly of lower leaves, may indicate a few different issues such as overwatering, lack of adequate light, or environmental shock from rapidly changing conditions. Leaf tip burn brown is a symptom of inadequate watering or low humidity. Mist Rex vine daily until the problem subsides or set a room humidifier near your vine.

Sunfinity™ Sunflowers

Posted by Hugh on April 15th, 2026

Sunfinity™ Sunflowers are clearly a generational change in U.S. gardens. Compare them with single huge old-fashioned 9-12 foot ‘Mammoth’ sunflowers that bloomed in mid- to late summer and done by fall. Sunfinity sunflowers are sturdy stemmed, multi-branched flowers. After 9 to 12 weeks in the garden, flowering rates begin to decrease, and eventually the plant will die. Bloom size also declines in late summer. (Zones 9-11)

Sunfinity Yellow Dark Center -trade show photo

Sunfinity sunflowers are heavy bloomers, producing 50-100 flowers per plant from mid-spring to the end of summer. Plants grow 3-4 feet high and 2-3 feet wide. Some stem pinching is encouraged to develop more side-shoots that produce more flowers. Blooms should measure 3-4 inches across.

Sunfinity Double Yellow® sunflower thrives when planted in full day sun. Fertilize every 7-10 days with a water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle-Gro at the low rate on the package. Continue to do this throughout the growing season. Plant your helianthus next to other summer flowering annuals for a colorful look in a sunny garden.

They can be planted in the ground or in large pots. Large landscape containers greater than 1 gallon in size or in larger patio pots are best. For best performance, provide adequate water and a well-drained potting media. In garden soil allow plant to dry out between waterings and water every 5-7 days. Deadheading the spent blooms regularly will encourage continuous flowering.

Three Varieties are available. Sunfinity™ ‘Yellow Dark Center’, ‘Double Yellow’, and ‘Bicolor Yellow-Red’.

Sunfinity has unmatched garden performance with continual flowering and highly resistance to powdery mildew through the summer season. Sunfinity Sunflowers are annual plants and complete their life cycle in one growing season (USDA hardiness zones 9-11).

Sunfinity sunflowers are perfect for decorating in special occasions such as garden weddings, anniversaries, et al. Ask the garden center manager about ordering several weeks ahead. Clip and bring blooms in the house for floral arrangements — and no pollen drop. Plants won’t set seed and are disease resistant.

Tuff Stuff™ Lacecap Hydrangeas

Posted by Hugh on April 7th, 2026

Tuff Stuff™ Mountain Hydrangeas (H. serrata) are a stunning lacecap series of Mountain Hydrangea). This species is indigenous to the cooler mountainous altitudes of Korea and Japan. They produce almost nonstop blooms from early summer right into autumn. Tuff Stuff are exceptionally cold hardy compared to big-leaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). Their stunningly beautiful lacecap flowers bloom early in summer on old wood, then continue on new wood. Their true landscape appeal is their fertile flowers which attract pollinators.

Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha in container (Photo courtesy of PW)

Currently, three cultivars are offered in the Tuff Stuff™ series from Proven Winners (PW):

Tiny Tuff Stuff™ produces lacecap flowers comprised of double sepals mostly blue in color. Due to their small size and compact habit, group several in a shady woodsy landscape. Their distinctive shrub habit, 1.5 – 2 feet tall and wide, makes them a perfect choice in patio and deck container and for planting in a front border. (zones 5-9). These shallow-rooted hydrangeas prefer some morning sun and afternoon shade, compost amended, well-drained soil, and moisture relief during summer dry spells.

Tuff Stuff ‘Ah-Ha’ Fertile Flowers (center) and Sterile Pink /Blue Sepals

Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha® is an outstanding rebloomer, forming floral buds on both old wood in spring and new shoots in summer through fall. Their massive dinner plate-sized lacecap clusters of large pink/blue waterlily-like doubled florets on slender sturdy stems. (USDA hardiness zones 5-9).

Tuff Stuff Top Fun is the newest in the series, growing 2 – 3 feet tall and wide. Rated an exceptional rebloomer, it bears showy hot pink lacecap blooms, supported by bright burgundy stems. Add its blue-green foliage that develops a burgundy tinge when cool weather returns at the start of autumn. Top Fun also rates exceptional in cold hardiness. (zones 4-9)

‘Tuff Stuff Top Fun’ (1st year plant in garden)

Tuff Stuff™ Mountain hydrangeas demand consistent moisture and a bit more shade than other species of hydrangeas. Flower color is pH sensitive. They tolerate more sunlight in a well-drained soil that is kept moderately moist but not standing in water. It is heat and salt tolerant.

Newly purchased plants grow quickly, blooms from the very first year, and offers no trouble! Tuff Stuff hydrangeas are a valuable wildlife food source, attracting butterflies and beneficial insects in summer, and their seeds attracting songbirds in late fall. Their colorful sterile florets make long-lasting cuts for fresh and dried arrangements.

Flower color (blue/pink) varies depending on soil pH. In acidic soils with abundant aluminum (a naturally occurring soil mineral), color will tend more to purple-blue. In alkaline soil or those lacking in aluminum, flowers will be a deep pink.

‘Let’s Dance Sky View’ (on left) with original ‘Tuff Stuff’ (cultivar no longer available) (Photo provided by Natalie Carmolli)

Superior ‘Wolf Eyes’ Kousa Dogwood

Posted by Hugh on March 31st, 2026

Kousa dogwood is indigenous to eastern Asia (Korea, China, and Japan) (USDA hardiness zones 5 – 8). ‘Wolf Eyes’ Kousa dogwood is an exceptional small landscape tree with variegated leaf color. Tree grows 15 – 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Hundreds of cream and green flowers appear in spring. Its narrow leaves are light green with creamy white margins. In mid- spring in Tennessee, this superior selection is covered with beautiful white flowers for about 3 weeks.

‘Wolf Eyes’ dogwood at Biltmore Estates, Asheville, NC

This slow-growing tree touts showy, scorch-free, ivory-edged foliage. Wolf Eyes may reach 10-15 feet tall in its first 10 years after planting. One of the finest variegated dogwoods, its intense leaf variegation may mask many of the white blooms. Bright-red edible strawberry-like fruits follow later in the summer which sought after by birds. Fall foliage on ‘Wolf Eyes’ finishes with a unique pink and red color. Leaves drop by mid-autumn to reveal the tree’s exquisite exfoliating bark. Its mottled patchy bark becomes more exquisite as the tree matures.

Kousa dogwoods are low-maintenance trees and the addition of Wolf Eyes to your landscape will be a great purchase. It grows well with partial to full sun along with adequate watering during unusual dry summer spells. It performs well in mildly acidic, compost-amended, well-drained soil. Annual spring feeding with a slow-release fertilizer is recommended. Compared to other kousa dogwood varieties, Wolf Eyes dogwood demonstrates superior verticillium wilt disease resistance.

Wolf Eyes dogwood has a compact habit and is an ideal fit in a small suburban landscape or within a garden patio. This cultivar is less susceptible to burning (scorch) than other variegated species. Wolf Eyes dogwood is not commonly sold at local garden shops but may be special ordered for spring delivery. Most big box stores do not offer this service.

Young kousa dogwoods may require light pruning in late winter, primarily to snip off lower unwanted limbs or tiny dead branches. Keep an eye out for diseases like dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew. Otherwise, tree maintenance is minimal to none.

Golden Shadow Dogwood

Posted by Hugh on March 24th, 2026

Alternate leaf dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), aka Pagoda dogwood, is a small native deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). This U.S. native species is indigenous to central and eastern Canada and central and the eastern and central areas of the U.S.

Pagoda dogwood typically grows 15-25 feet high with distinctive tiered/layered horizontal branching. The parallel horizontal branching creates a layered tiered look, a term called “sympodial branching”. Branches and leaves are arranged alternately, a unique trait found in only one other dogwood species, giant dogwood (C. controversa).

Golden Shadows^® is a wonderful pagoda dogwood cultivar noted for its distinctive color and elegant horizontal habit. Leaves are gloriously variegated — bright yellow with a bright green splotch in the leaf center. Occasionally, leaves may burn, particularly in full sun; leaf colors may fade under too much shade.

Small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers bloom in flattened cymes (each to 2 1/2″ across) in late spring (May-June). Flowers give way to bluish-black fruits (drupes) on red stalks that ripen in late summer. Elliptic-ovate, medium green leaves, up to 3-5” long, turn reddish-purple often tinted yellow or green in fall. Bluish-black drupe fruits develop in mid-summer on orangish-red stems

Pagoda dogwood is best grown in part-day sun, preferably in the morning hours. Leaves of this shade dogwood” can become sunscald. This large shrub/ small tree prefers acidic, rich loamy, moist, and well-drained soils. It has a fibrous, spreading root system and prefers a site where its shallow root zone will be cool. Don’t forget to apply 2-3 inches of mulch at the start of spring.

In most years alternate-leaf dogwood avoids serious diseases or insect issues. However, be observant of septoria leaf spot, twig and leaf blights, root rot and canker that may lead to early defoliation in autumn. Scale, leaf miner and borers are occasional insect pests. Protect against wind and ice damage and tree roots may not tolerate salt injury.

Plant as a specimen or in small groupings on residential property around shady decks and patios. Utilize in shade borders, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas.

Horizontal branching of ‘Golden Shadow’ dogwood

Pagoda dogwood is a wonderful native plant with four-season interest. Butterflies, birds, and small mammals are attracted to this shrub, and this dogwood species is also moderately deer resistant. Utilize in your home garden as a specimen plant, shrub border, or in naturalized areas.

Winter sympodial branching of Pagoda dogwood

Most garden centers do not offer this shrub/tree for sale. Online nurseries do advertise it. Proven Winners (PW) does list it.

A Look At Pampas Grass

Posted by Hugh on March 19th, 2026

Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a tough, tall-growing grass that forms dense, substantial clumps (tussocks) featuring arching, finely serrated, narrow green leaves that are topped in fall by huge, feathery, silvery white plumes. First introduced into the U. S. in 1848, this giant ornamental grass is indigenous to southern South America.

It has been a popular ornamental grass in southern and western parts of the U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 7-11). Pampas grass forms a dense grassy mound, 6-12 feet tall (includes the plume) and 6-10 feet wide. Blades are slim and weeping that can easily reach over a yard (3 feet) or more in length. The showiest part of this grass is the tall silvery-white, feather-like inflorescences (plumes) which are soft to the touch and are an accent feature that stand tall in the landscape.

Locate clumps on garden sites capturing 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily. This aggressive warm season grass is tolerant to a wide range of soils, coastal and sandy conditions, and is highly salt tolerant. Pampas grass is also exceptionally drought tolerant. It is planted at the beach, city parks or in your neighbor’s yard. The big feathery plumes sway with a passing breeze.

Cutback tussocks in early spring. Use a good pair of lopper shears and wear protective clothing for bodily safety to prevent cuts and scratches from the sharp grass blades.

Pampas grass has no serious insect or disease problems and is highly resistant to deer grazing. It may invasively self-seed in locales with warm winters. Pampas grass varieties are generally sold at full-service garden centers in zones 7-11 as well as e-commerce nurseries.

Its large flower plumes are use in dried arrangements. Silvery white plumes (sometimes with traces of pink) are more impressive on female plants than on male plants. A few of the varieties currently available include:

‘Gold Band’- compact, 4-6 feet tall, with gold-edged blades

‘Pumila’- dwarf variety, 4–5 feet in height. Variable yellow, white, or ivory plumes.

‘Rosea’ – called pink pampas for its pink plumes, 7-8 feet tall

‘White Stripe’- lovely, variegated foliage but not as showy in flower

‘Aureolineata’- grows 4-6 ft tall and wide; leaf edges with gold bands (zones 8-10)

Trade show display of new dwarf (2 ft. tall) variety named Tiny Pampa™

Baker’s Dozen Of My Favorite Redbuds

Posted by Hugh on March 14th, 2026

Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are small flowering landscape tree. Most varieties grow up to 20 to 30 feet tall and 20 to 35 feet wide, but there are a number of compact patio forms. It is generally a small understory tree that is often found growing beneath taller trees.

Redbuds may tolerate full sun to part shade, best in 5-6 hours of morning/early afternoon sunlight, and moderate moist, well-drained soil. Mulch to preserve soil moisture and guard against weeds Redbuds do not tolerate summer heat or dry soils. It does not tolerate root disturbance, so plants should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible and should be kept well-watered until established.

Spring foliage of ‘Carolina Sweetheart’ Redbud

Branches may break under extremely heavy snow loads. Regular watering, annual fertilization, and pruning out dead branches are highly recommended. Early spring flowers attract bees and butterflies. Redbuds are moderately resistant to browsing. Unless otherwise noted, cultivars listed below do well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.

Three small patio types are listed. Weeping forms and those with zig zag branching is also available. Modern day redbuds are available in green heart-shape leaves but red, pink, orange, and golden yellow leaf forms are also available along with variegated foliage are also available.

Thirteen (13) of my favorite redbud cultivars:

Ace of Hearts – vibrant rose-purple flowers; compact grower 10-12’ high x 12-15’ wide; patio type.
Alley Cat – magenta flowers; deep green variegated foliage splashed with white; 20-30’ high x 25-35’ wide
Carolina Sweetheart – pink flowers followed by a foliage range of color combinations of purple, pink, green, and white; 20-30’ high x 30’ wide.
Forest Pansy – rose-purple pea-like flowers in early spring; leguminous dry seed pods in the fall; 20-30’ high x 25-35’ wide.
Appalachian Red – stunning deep red-purple flowers; 20-30’ high x 20-30’ wide.
Lavender Twist (‘Covey’) – unique weeping habit with twisted branches plus lavender pink blooms; 5-6′ high x 6-8′ wide; patio type (Zone 6-9).
Pink Pom Poms – double reddish-purple sterile female flowers in the spring before leaf-out; (f. texensis type) with smaller heart-shaped thick glossy leaves; 20′ high x 20′ wide; seedless (Zones 6-9).
Rising Sun™ – new spring leaves emerge golden-orange mature to lime green; 8-12’ high x 6-8’ wide; foliage does not burn compared to some golden leaf cultivars.
Royal White – white flowers in early spring; 20′ – 30′ high x 15′ – 25′ wide; compact tree
Ruby Falls™– red-purple flowers in early spring; 5-8′ high x 6-8 feet wide; compact weeping; patio type.
Tennessee Pink – clear pink flowers (purple coloration found in most of the redbuds is absent). typically matures as a single trunk tree to 20′ high x 20′ wide. clusters of tiny, pink, pea-like flowers.
Flame Thrower® – light-pink spring flowers followed by an ever-changing colorful foliage array into late summer; starts with burgundy colored foliage which fades to yellow and later to green; 15-20′ high x 15-20′ wide. (Zones 5-9).
Zig Zag® – striking zig-zag branches, deep fuchsia spring flowers, and heart shaped foliage that turns orange in fall; 20’ high x 25-28’ wide.

Rosebay Rhododendron

Posted by Hugh on March 7th, 2026

Luxuriant and bold, rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) is a stunning broad-leaved evergreen for a large garden or naturalized in the woodland landscape. This multi-stemmed, upright spreading shrub typically grows 8 to 15 feet tall… but can reach to 30 feet in Appalachian Mountains where it is native. In early summer, mature branches produce large floral clusters or trusses, with up to 25 white to pale pink flowers. Leaves are 4 – 8 inches long, (USDA hardiness zones 3-7).

Site selection is very important. Rosebay rhododendrons thrive in acidic, humus -rich, moist, well-drained soils and in part shade. These large shrubs tolerate almost full shade. In zone 7 rosebay rhododendrons thrive in cooler mountain landscapes and languish on urban sites. Roots prefer to be cool in the hot summer periods; leaves may wilt and turn off color during periods of hot dry weather.

Good soil drainage is an absolute must. Poor drainage or “wet feet” inevitably leads to root rot problems such as Pythium, Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia soil fungi. On heavy clay sites, plant rosebay rhododendrons on sloping ground or in raised beds/plantings. Rhododendrons also benefit by mulching with wood chips, bark or pine needles which aid in soil moisture retention and keeping the ground cool.

Feed with an acidifying fertilizer such as Hollytone™ or water-soluble product like Miracid™ soils according to package directions. Plant these tall evergreen shrubs in a sheltered location away from strong drying wintry winds.

All parts of this plant are highly toxic if ingested. It partners well with native woodland favorites such as Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), pinxterbloom azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides), columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), Hairy alumroot (Heuchera villosa), bellworts (Uvularia spp.), and wild ginger (Asarum canadense).

Three of the most common cultivars of Rosebay rhododendron include:

Var. album: White flowers

Var. purpureum: Deep pink to purple flowers

Var. roseum: Light pink flowers on reddish stems

Rosebay Rhododendrons are not commonly sold at box stores. However, plants are available at many Northeast and Midwest full-service garden centers as well as at e-commerce nurseries in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.