Weston's Mayflower Rhododendron

Weston's Mayflower Rhododendron
Genus Rhododendron
Live plants photographed at The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois, USA

'Weston's Mayflower' Rhododendron
A 1971 cross by Ed Mezitt produced Weston's Mayflower

Weston's Mayflower is a "lepidote", that is, an (early blooming) rhododendron with tiny scales on the underside of the leaves. [1]

The Mezitt family, of Weston Nurseries at Hopkinton, Massachusetts, is responsible for a number of hardy rhododendron varieties. They have been breeding the plants for three generations, beginning in 1939. Some famous hybrids developed at the Weston Nursery include 'Blue Baron', the 'Mayflower' pictured here, 'Checkmate', 'Midnight Ruby', 'Red Quest', 'Cornell Pink', 'April Snow', 'April Cloud', 'Summer Peppermint', 'Tapestry', and 'Starry Night'. [2]

References:

Brian Capon, Botany for Gardeners, 2nd ed. (Timber Press, Incorporated, 2004).
Kenneth Cox, Rhododendrons & Azaleas: A Colour Guide (Crowood Press, 2005).
Sonja Nelson, Rhododendrons in the Landscape (Timber Press, Incorporated, 2000).