VOLUME 23 NUMBER 3 FALL 2001 THE

Journal of the Society of America

Asheville Convention Issue The Best of the Best — In Search of Native East Meets West — t The Deciduous Azaleas Celebrating Native Azaleas — 2001 Convention Photo Album Azalea Seedling Selection Process Post Office Box 34536 West Bethesda, Maryland 20827-0536 President's Letter Azalea Society Joseph E. Schild, Jr. Hixson, Tennessee of America Friends, The Azalea Society of America, organized December 9, 1977 and incorporated in the With the 2001 convention in Upcoming Conventions District of Columbia, is an educational and Asheville, North Carolina, behind us, scientific non-profit association devoted to but still much in mind for its great 2002: April 17-21, in Atlanta. The con- the culture, propagation and appreciation programs and tours, we look to new vention will be jointly hosted by the of azaleas Subgenera Tsutsusi and Azaleas Chapter of the American Pentanthera of the genus in the and exciting adventures. In my re- Heath family (). marks to the members in Asheville, I Rhododendron Society and the noted the importance of bringing in Oconee Chapter of the ASA. Volunteers are needed to help with Officers for 2001-2002 new members through mentoring and President — Joseph E. Schild, Jr. just being a friend. registration and other convention Vice-President — Robert Lee duties. Please contact Jim Thornton Secretary — John Brown Our Society is growing through each to offer your services at 770-483-1593 Treasurer — Robert Stelloh of us answering azalea questions from or [email protected]. Earl Immediate Past-President — our neighbors and being a friend in Sommerville is the ARS contact: William Bode the garden. Often a gift to a 770-428-3226 or earlsommerville@ neighbor is treasured for many years; mindspring.com. A large collection of Directors long after other purchased azaleas will be for sale at the conven- Terms Expire in 2001 Gen. Bryghte Godbold may have passed on, that gift and the tion. More details and registration giver are recalled with pleasure. What Donald Hyatt forms will be in the Winter 2001 issue Col. Murray Sheffield if we had included an application to of THE AZALEAN. The convention Terms Expire in 2003 the ASA with the azalea? Remember, information website is: www. autumn is the time to plant azaleas Leslie Ann Nanney arsazalea.tripod.com or you can go to Maarten van der Giesen and cultivate friendships in the pro- any search engine and type in ARS / John Migas cess. ASA and it will link you to this website Chapter presidents serve as The 2002 Convention in Atlanta will and the ASA website. ex-officio directors be upon us before we may even think 2003: Convention location is under of it; therefore, it is important that our review by the Society's board of Chapters azaleas and members be well directors. More information will be represented during the joint Brookside Gardens Ben Morrison published in THE AZALEAN as it be- (chartered Aug. 1979) (chartered May 1980) ARS / ASA Convention. I am looking comes available. Dianne Gregg, Pres. Bob McWhorter, Pres. forward to meeting old friends and 2004: The Ben Morrison chapter is Northern Virginia Louisiana making new ones at that occasion, as (chartered May 1980) (chartered June 1981) I am sure you all are. planning the 2004 ASA convention. David Nanney, Pres. Dr. John Thornton, Pres. Carol Segree is chairwoman of the With warm regards and looking to planning committee for this big event. Tri-State Dallas Chapter (chartered Oct. 1981) (chartered May 1989) a bright future, I remain your friend. Contact her at 301-261-6215. As a Robin Hahn, Pres. Eugene Westlake, Vice-Pres. highlight, chapter member Gray Oconee Chapter Vaseyi Chapter Carter has offered to propagate R. 'Ben (chartered Nov. 1991) (chartered June 2001) Morrison' plants for sale at that con- Mike McNeal, Pres. Ed Collins, Pres. vention. Regular membership is open to all inter ested parties for an annual dues amount of $25.00; life membership for an individual is On the Cover: $500.00. Members receive THE AZALEAN and are eligible for participation in all activi- One of the beautiful azaleas featured in Don Hyatt's keynote speech June ties of the Society including those of the 16, 2001, was this native hybrid he and others who make the pilgrimage to chapter with which the member affiliates. Gregory Bald have christened Rhododendron "Gregory Salmon Balls." It is For information and a membership applica- so named because the round trusses of salmon flowers reminded them of tion, write to the Membership Committee, Azalean Society of America, 1000 Moody balls of poached salmon. If this variety is ever registered they might change Bridge Road, Cleveland, SC 29635. it to R. 'Gregory Salmon.' [Photo by Don Hyatt]

50 • THE AZALEAN/Fall 2001

THE AZALEAN Journal of the Azalea Society Table of Contents of America, Inc. VOLUME 23 NUMBER 3 FALL 2001 50 President's Letter Editor Joseph E. Schild, Jr. Barbara Stump 52 Convention Keynote Speech — The Best of the Best: In Search of Advisory Editorial Board Native Azaleas Donald H. Voss Don Hyatt Jane Newman 58 East Meets West — Deciduous Azaleas Robert W. Hobbs, Ph.D. Joe Schild Advertising 59 Business Meeting June 16, 2001 Jim Thornton 60 Celebrating Native Azaleas — ASA 2001 Convention Photo Album 62 Survival of the Fittest: Azalea Seedling Selection Process at THE AZALEAN (ISSN-1085-5343) is Transcend Nursery published quarterly (spring, summer, Robert (Buddy) Lee fall and winter) by the Azalea Society of America, Inc., P. 0. Box 34536, West 65 Society News Bethesda, MD 20827-0536. 65 Sources and Uses of Funds 2000 65 Historical Documents Needed Additional copies of the current and 66 Chapter News back issues can be obtained from 68 New Members Azalean Back Issues, 875 Canyon Road, Wetumpka, AL 36093 (PHONE: (334- 69 Azalea Mart 567-4974). All volumes 1 through present are $1.00 per issue. Orders from outside theU.S., Canada, and Mexico, add $1.00 per issue for postage. Hats Off to the Asheville Organizers! [Congratulations to all who selected the Asheville site for the convention June 14-17, Opinions and views expressed in THE 2001! This goes both for the organizing committee, Bob Stelloh, Ed Collins, John Brown AZALEAN are those of the contributors and the members of the new Vaseyi Chapter in North Carolina. John contributed the or the Editor, not necessarily those of the following about the facilities at UNCA, which were apparently nearly perfect for our Society, and are presented to foster a meeting, Ed.] wider appreciation and knowledge of A quiet and serene oasis, protected request went unfilled as we tried to azaleas. Advertisements are presented on one side by the Asheville Botanical prepare for a party of 142 friends. as a service to our readers and do not Garden and on the other by William's The interest shown in our well- imply endorsement by the Azalea Soci- Rhododendron Nursery, set the stage being went far beyond the usual. The ety of America. Advertising and other for 142 azaleaphiles to congregate in a dining hall staff, in particular, showed contributions to THE AZALEAN are relaxed, informal atmosphere. The a lot of interest in the plant sale and auc- used exclusively to help defray the costs campus of the University of North tion. Rumor has it that one of the prized of publishing THE AZALEAN. Carolina-Asheville is located within R. eastmanii specimens passed through minutes of the heart of downtown, Address all editorial and business cor- the auction into the hands of a well- close to the Interstate system and three respondence to: major highways and yet, is completely known member of the Society and then isolated from the bustle of this active directly to a member of the dining hall The Editor, THE AZALEAN mountain city. The campus is well staff. It is further rumored that the deal 536 E. Pilar Street landscaped; specimens are labeled and was cooked up across the Honor Bar Nacogdoches, TX 75961-5113 spaced for both the casual observer and during social hour. Maybe, he will ap- 936-569-2929 the interested viewers. Several attend- preciate his acquisition enough to join [email protected] ees were able to enjoy a quiet hour wan- the Society. Society website: http://www.azaleas.org dering around "The Quad" identifying Mail list: [email protected] The business meeting of the Society plants and making wish lists. was held in the Dining Hall, as were We found the staff and administra- all of the Convention meetings. We Printed By tive personal to be, without exception, could have handled twice the number Sunbelt Business Graphics helpful, courteous, and well prepared of guests in the comfortable, spacious Nacogdoches, Texas to perform their various functions. No well-equipped facility.

Fall 2001/THE AZALEAN • 51 Convention Keynote Speech Best of the Best: In Search of Native Azaleas Donald W. Hyatt— McLean, Virginia Introduction has been my search for the "Best of the The late Fred Galle has left us a great Best." There are many spectacular legacy. Through publications includ- forms still out there in the wild, and ing his monumental work Azaleas [3] some of them are growing in spectacu- and preservation efforts at Callaway lar settings, too. Unfortunately, real Gardens, he did so much to educate estate development has been en- us about our native azalea heritage. croaching on many of these habitats; Although Fred had wide horticultural and, even in preserved sites, there are interests and renowned expertise in other threats to the native azaleas. many areas, I suspect that the native There is an urgent need to protect the azaleas were his first love. After many genetic diversity that still exists, and I Don Hyatt keynote speaker presented a years of hybridizing and collecting hope we can all join together in this way of organizing the natives into three color groups, showed many slides of azaleas of all sorts, I have turned to endeavor. unusual hybrids in situ, and encouraged the natives as my primary interest too. the Society to educate the young in Professionally, I have been a public Appreciating the Antiquity of Our conservation of these valued natural school teacher for the past 32 years, Native Azaleas resources. (Photo by Bill Miller.] spending much of my time educating Most people immediately recognize the next generation of mathematicians historical sights in Egypt and Rome, from the and computer scientists. However, I and they universally acknowledge Rhododendron luteum Caucasus, R. molle from China, R. think we all need to become teachers. that mankind must preserve the old It is not enough for us to grow native buildings and artifacts left from these japonicum from Japan, and even our azaleas in our gardens or enjoy these ancient civilizations. However, few West Coast , R. occidentale, are lovely species in the wild. We have people see anything more than a very closely allied with many of our eastern natives. Yes, our native aza- an obligation to educate the public pretty orange flower when they ad- leas are very similar genetically to spe- about these wonderful plants. The na- mire a plant like the Flame Azalea in tive azaleas and the habitats in which bloom. Even fewer people have an ap- cies from distant lands separated by they grow must be preserved for gen- preciation for the antiquity of these thousands of miles, arid deserts, and vast oceans. These plants have not re- erations to come, and it is our respon- plants, our native azalea species. The sibility to help champion that cause. mountains in the eastern United States cently traveled to such remote loca- For the past seven years I have been are among the oldest ranges on the on a quest to identify some of the fin- earth, and the variety of native aza- est forms of our native azaleas. This leas that grow there are certainly not recent arrivals ei- ther. Indeed, our native azaleas are artifacts far older than any outward accomplishments of mankind. At first, it may seem surprising that many of the azalea species from around the world are so closely related. Azaleas like R. luteum is an oriental species from the From Gregory Bald in North Carolina, this is one of Don's Caucusus Mountains that is closely allied favorites, R. "Gregory Candy Stripe." The name comes from the with our native species. striking white striping on the pink buds. (Photo by Don Hyatt.] (Photo by Don Hyatt.]

52 • THE AZALEAN/Fall 2001 tions by themselves, and they were ited personally. It has allowed me to sticky glandular hairs on the back of probably not carried around the world make a much more thorough presen- the floral tube, whereas R. by admiring cave men. Instead, they tation. periclymenoides usually has plain fuzzy have been quietly growing in our for- hairs without the sticky glands. Both ests, slowly evolving in local habitats The White Group species have long flower tubes and are while the rest of the earth has changed The "White Group" contains R. fragrant. There are a number of excel- about them. alabamense, R. atlanticum, R. lent forms of canescens being offered arborescens, R. viscosum (which now in the trade now, including the pale The late David Leach noted that fos- pink R. 'Camilla's Blush' and R. sil records in North America and Eu- includes R. oblongifolium and R. serrulatum), and our newest species, R. 'Varnadoe's Pink' with its red tubes rope show that certain species in the and pink flowers. genus Rhododendron have existed es- eastmanii. The azaleas in this group sentially unchanged for at least 50 mil- are not necessarily pure white since R. prinophyllum is usually darker lion years [8]. I suspect that precur- there may be forms that are shades of pink than the previous two species. It sors of our native azaleas were prob- light pink. All of the species in the has a shorter flower tube and a White Group are delightfully fragrant, ably blooming on "Pangaea," the hy- distinctive cinnamon spice fragrance. which adds to their appeal as great pothetical landmass that millions of One of the finest native stands is at years ago split apart to form the con- garden plants. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in West tinents we know today. Similarly, If I were to select my favorite from Virginia where the entire top of the many of the favorite trees and wild- this group, it would be R. arborescens mountain turns rose pink in early flowers we find in our eastern wood- because of its pristine white flowers June. This region was virgin forest lands (dogwoods, magnolias, trilli- with striking red stamens, and its prior to 1770, but then severe logging ums, arisaemas, etc.) have counter- powerful heliotrope fragrance that by lumber companies devastated parts in these same far places of the perfumes the entire yard. There is an much of West Virginia near the turn world. Like our native azaleas, they excellent selection of R. arborescens by of the 20th century. By 1920, severe have survived earthquakes and aster- Clarence Towe called R. 'White Light- forest fires had ravaged the area [1] . oids, dinosaurs and ice ages, but they ning.' It has huge white flowers with The fires were so fierce in places that are facing their most critical test right distinctive red stamens, a yellow even the soil burned. Peaty soils built now, the effects of mankind. We must blotch, and that delicious fragrance so up by centuries of organic litter be certain that these plants can survive characteristic of the species. Some burned all the way down to bare rock the severe disruption to their habitats believe that R. 'White Lightning' is a such as that now seen exposed on that humans have wrought in just 200 natural hybrid of R. arborescens with Dolly Sods. This region is slowly years. R. cumberlandense, but whether hybrid recovering, and the R. prinophyllum or species, this variety is surely one of that is reclaiming the mountaintop is Identifying the Natives the best of the best, a superior plant in a sight to behold. There are 15 native azalea species any garden. There are some wonder- All of our East Coast native azaleas here in the Eastern United States. Dr. ful stands of R. arborescens at the top have exactly five stamens except for Kathleen Kron has developed an ex- of Wayah Bald in North Carolina and R. canadense and R. vaseyi. These two cellent method to help identify the along many waterways in the East, species are not closely related to the natives by separating them into three including the Cheat River in West Vir- other natives and are not known to color categories: white, pink, and or- ginia. R. arborescens usually grows cross. However, they may be more ange [7]. She points out other distin- near moist areas, but one is usually closely allied with certain Asian spe- guishing characteristics so that one aware that the plant is nearby long cies such as R. albrechtii and R. can easily differentiate among the before seeing the blooms because of pentaphyllum from Japan or even R. many species. Using her approach that wonderful fragrance. schlippenbachii from Korea, since these with additional information from all have 10 stamens and also show Galle [3, 4] and Davidian [2], I have The Pink Grou p similarities in flower form. tried to develop a website where In the "Pink Group", there are five people can learn to identify the East species: R. canescens, R. periclymenoides R. canadense is generally a more Coast native azaleas [6]. I am grateful (formerly known as R. nudiflorum), R. northern plant, preferring cooler tem- to George McLellan, members of the prinophyllum (formerly known as R. peratures than we can provide in our Middle Atlantic Chapter American roseum), R. canadense, and R. vaseyi. southern gardens. Its upper three pet Rhododendron Society Species Study The first two are often difficult to tell als are fused into a separate lip, and it Group, Mike Creel, and others for pro- apart, but one distinguishing charac- has 10 stamens. At one time R. viding slides of native azalea popula- teristic is that R. canescens usually has canadense was considered to be in a tions in the wild that I have not vis-

Fall 2001/THE AZALEAN • 53 separate genus, Rhodora. flowers are not always orange, but can 1964. Members of the Middle Atlantic range from shades of clear yellow, Chapter ARS Species Study Group R. vaseyi, on the other hand, seems through gold, to deepest red. The would often travel down the to be a very adaptable plant, even early blooming R. austrinum is the only Cherohala Skyway from North Caro- though its original range was only fragrant native of this group, and its lina into Tennessee to see R four counties in the mountains of flowers are typically gold or yellow cumberlandense in bloom. In June of North Carolina at elevations from with a long red flower tube. There are 2000, we were particularly disap- 3,000 to 5,000 feet. R. vaseyi usually some excellent forms of austrinum al- pointed to find that someone had re- has six or seven stamens and comes ready on the market including R. cently dug up a favorite deep red form in shades of deep pink to white. There 'Lisa's Gold.' of R. cumberlandense from its site along is a superior pure white form called the roadside. Theft from the wild is a R. 'White Find' that is readily avail- R. flammeum (formerly R. speciosum) very serious problem with native aza- able in the trade. Along the Blue Ridge also has long flower tubes. It is early leas as well as many other wildflow- Parkway in the Pisgah National For- blooming too, but the flowers are usu- ers. est there is an exceptionally deep rose ally orange or red with a prominent form of vaseyi that people just refer blotch, and there is no fragrance. The R. calendulaceum is widespread and to as "419.2", signifying the mile post clone R. 'Hazel Hamilton' is a nice yel- quite variable. There are many excel- by which it is located. However, nurs- low form of R. flammeum, but is report- lent forms being introduced into the erymen will probably need a more edly difficult to propagate and has trade, such as R. 'Cherokee' or R. marketable name if this plant is suc- limited distribution in the trade. 'Kelsey's Flame'. Travelers are cessfully propagated and offered to amazed at the beautiful forms grow- the general public. R. prunifolium is easily distinguished ing right along the roadside, but I from the first two because of its very wonder what variation exists through- The Blue Ridge Parkway from late season of bloom. R. prunifolium is out its natural realm. At a recently Cherokee to Grandfather Mountain is typically coral orange to deep red with opened trail to Hooper Bald, our spe- a magnificent drive whether or not R. a long flower tube and begins its flo- cies study group has documented vaseyi or the many other native azalea ral display at the end of July or Au- some of the largest flowered forms of species growing along the roadside gust. There are excellent stands of R. R. calendulaceum that we have ever are in bloom. There are many excel- prunifolium in Georgia's Providence seen. One superior form we call R. lent side hikes, including the spectacu- Canyon as well as extensive plantings "Hooper Copper" because of its cop- lar rock outcroppings at Grandfather at Callaway Gardens. pery-orange flower color. The flow- Mountain where R. vaseyi also grows The other two species in the "Or- ers of this selection are in excess of wild. The Native Americans consid- three inches in diameter, huge for rep- ered the area at Grandfather Mountain ange Group," R. calendulaceum and R. cumberlandense (formerly known as R. resentatives of the species. The flower sacred land, and so it should be with edges on R. "Hooper Copper" are us. bakeri), have shorter flower tubes than the first three species mentioned in plain without any frill or ruffling. There -are many other places in the this group, but are difficult to distin- There are some nice gold, orange, and Appalachian Mountains that evoke guish from one another. Genetically, orange-red forms at Hooper Bald, but similar feelings of inspiration and R. calendulaceum is a tetraploid having we have not noticed any clear yellows. awe. Clingman's Dome, the highest twice the number of chromosomes as Unfortunately, these plants are becom- point in the Smokies, is one such place, R. cumberlandense or any other native ing overgrown by trees and , so although combined effects of acid rain azalea species. However, one cannot unless proactive measures are taken and a foreign spruce adelgid intro- tell this fact from casual inspection. to give them some growing room, they duced to the area have devastated the The flowers of R. calendulaceum are could easily be lost. Another concern evergreen forests. The visitor's tower usually larger than R. cumberlandense is that feral pigs on Hooper Bald are on top of Clingman's Dome does not though, and the former usually also causing significant damage to the fit with the natural beauty either. blooms before the leaves have fully environment by burrowing for roots However, in 1000 years it will prob- expanded. With R. cumberlandense, and grubs. ably no longer exist, though I hope the next year's flower buds are often form- beauty of the surrounding mountains ing as the current season's blooms Favorite Locations will still be there for people to enjoy. open. There are wonderful examples of R. calendulaceum all along the Blue Ridge There are superior forms of R. The Orange Group Parkway from the Roanoke, south to cumberlandense already in the trade, the Smokies, and beyond. I have seen The remaining five species belong including R. 'Camp's Red' that was to the "Orange Group," although their excellent forms of R. calendulaceum at introduced by Dr. Henry Skinner in a number of places in Virginia, includ-

54 • THE AZALEAN/Fall 2001 ing Mount Rogers and Grayson High- inspiration to all who walk along the year, though, I see evidence that ad- lands. In North Carolina, the trail. Words cannot describe the awe miring visitors have tried to break mountainside at Wayah Bald can turn one feels standing on the top of the back branches of the encroaching orange when the R. calendulaceum in world surrounded by such incredible shrubs and trees giving these wild- the woods has a heavy bloom. The R. beauty. The US Forest Service has flowers another year to share their calendualceum at Andrews Bald in the placed a plaque on the mountain to beauty with us. One interesting note Smokies is beautiful too, but the deer honor the memory of local resident is that R. calendulaceum plants tangled have been grazing this area rather Cornelious Rex Peake (1887-1964). It in blackberry and alder seem to show heavily in recent years. reflects on the beauty of this spot and less deer damage than those in the how much this man and his forefa- open. R. Calendulaceum and the Appalachian thers loved the Roan Mountain region. Trail Near Roan Mountain I hope there are people in our genera- The Hybrid Swarm on Gregory Bald For me, the best place to see R. tion who will be similarly remem- The very finest display of native aza- calendulaceum in all its glory is along bered as caring forefathers who loved leas that I have ever seen, though, is the Appalachian Trail near Roan and protected such solemn grounds. on Gregory Bald, another open bald Mountain at the North Carolina-Ten- of about 10 acres on the North Caro- One of my favorite forms of R. nessee border. The combination of the lina-Tennessee border in the Smokies. calendulaceum sits boldly near the At an elevation of 4,949 feet, Gregory native azaleas, wildflowers, and the ridge at Jane Bald. We refer to it as R. mountain scenery make this special Bald is noted for its "hybrid swarm" "Molten Lava" because of its brilliant site one of the most beautiful places golden orange color that contrasts so of native azaleas. Four native azalea on earth. Starting up the Appalachian species are believed to be present on beautifully with the blue mountains Trail at Carver's Gap, the path ascends the bald (R. calendulaceum, R. in the distance. The flowers of "Mol- several hundred feet to the top of cumberlandense, R. arborescens, and R. ten Lava" are relatively large, usually viscosum), and over the years they Round Bald, elevation 5,826 feet. The over two inches across, and the edges have been cross-pollinating to create trail has recently been rerouted to dis- are beautifully ruffled and frilled. azaleas in almost every conceivable courage erosion, making the climb a Choosing a favorite form of R. color. The display lasts many weeks, bit longer and more scenic, and cer- calendulaceum is hard to do because with peak bloom usually being near tainly less strenuous. From the top of there are so many lovely forms scat- Round Bald the view is spectacular. the end of June. tered along the edge of the bald from As the trail descends to the right to- Engine Gap to Jane Bald. They come I remember Fred Galle and others ward Engine Gap, a magnificent dis- in all shades from clear yellow and talking about this unique spot many play of calendulaceum begins, con- gold, to blends of orange and deep or- years before I made my first trip. Ac- tinuing all the way to the next ridge ange-red. Dr. August Kehr reported cording to one story, Fred was work- at Jane Bald. The peaks in this region seeing a double form of R. ing on his doctoral thesis while on are all from 5,000 to 6,000 feet in el- calendulaceum at Jane Bald, but I have Gregory Bald when a bear attacked evation, and because of variations in looked for that plant many times with and carried off his research notes. bloom time, this impressive native no success. I fear that it may have been Unfortunately, he never completed his azalea display lasts through much of overgrown, lost, or possibly stolen. degree because of that loss. I made June, with peak season probably the my first trip to Gregory in 1995. Now second or third week, depending In the past few years there has been I make an annual pilgrimage, but I upon the year. noticeable damage from deer brows- keep a close lookout for bears. ing on Roan. The deer are not only On the balds in this area there are eating the native azaleas, but also the There are two trails up to Gregory also rare wildflowers such as the red and rare wildflowers Bald, both originating in Cades Cove; Gray's Lily (Lilium grayi), and great on the bald. Even more alarming is but neither one is an easy hike. The masses of the lavender-purple rhodo- news that North Carolina is appar- longer but more scenic trail via Forge dendrons, R. catawbiense. On a good ently trying to establish elk popula- Creek to Gregory Ridge begins along year (and on a clear day), a side trip tions in the mountain regions. This rushing stream waters and winds out to Grassy Ridge Bald affords one will put even further stress on the na- through a magnificent virgin forest of of the most dramatic sights imagin- tive plants unless some natural bal- hemlocks and thickets of R. maximum. able. As the elevation rises gradually ance is secured. In addition to animal The trail eventually gains elevation as to a height of 6,189 feet, a 360-degree damage, invasive plants are causing it ascends through drier forests of view reveals the entire mountainside concern too, since alder, blackberry, hardwoods, Kalmia, and beds of galax, has turned purple from the rhododen- and various trees are crowding out the finally reaching the bald. The hike dron blossoms. Even when not in native azaleas and wildflowers. Each takes about three and a half hours, bloom, the majesty of this setting is an

Fall 2001/THE AZALEAN • 55 with an elevation change of approxi- bald from the Forge Creek Trail. An- It has deep rose pink flowers with an mately 3,000 feet. The alternative other showstopper is an enormous orange blotch. Finally, there is an ex- route via the Parson's Branch Road plant we call the R. "Hannah Trail ceptional plant with creamy white and Hannah Trail cuts off about 45 Coral," a brilliant coral orange that flowers brushed in pink we call R. minutes and 1,000 feet in elevation, grows on the other side where the "Rattlesnake Cream." We gave it the but requires that one travel by car on Hannah Trail enters the bald. Images name because it grows next to a place a one-way, primitive road from Ten- of these and many other selections can where we spotted a huge rattlesnake nessee into North Carolina. This road be seen on my website. one year. We look out for rattlesnakes has numerous fords and is often as well as bears on Gregory now. In the middle of the bald are so closed due to bad weather. There is many wonderful plants that it is re- There are other exciting hybrid also limited parking where the ally hard to choose the best forms, but swarms of native azaleas, such as Hannah Trail starts. each year I try. R. "Gregory Candy along the Appalachian Trail near Cop- Once on the top of Gregory, the dif- Stripe" has a large rose pink flower per Bald in North Carolina or at Audra ficulties of the hike are forgotten as with a yellow flare and beautiful blu- State Park in West Virginia. The cata- one becomes enthralled by the color, ish green foliage. We gave it the name lyst behind hybrid swarms is not clear, fragrance, and sheer floral beauty of because the pink flower buds are though. R. calendulaceum seems to be the native azaleas there. The predomi- striped with white before they open, involved in these swarms; but, being nant azalea color is typically orange- giving a striking floral effect. It tetraploid, it should produce sterile red, similar to R. cumberlandense, and blooms later than many of the others, offspring in primary crosses with the the flower size is about one to one- and but it is surely one of the best on the other diploid natives. Perhaps when one-half inches in diameter depend- bald. Another one of the top plants several diploid species such as R. ing upon the clone. Growing through- we call R."Salmon Balls" because the viscosum, R. arborescens, and R. out the bald though are whites, round trusses reminded us of balls of cumberlandense cross with one another creams, yellows, golds, pale pinks, poached salmon. Perhaps we should first, then these primary hybrids pro- deep pinks, fuchsias, corals, reds, and change the name to R.'Gregory duce unreduced gametes that will al- wondrous blends. There are larger Salmon', if it is ever registered or in- low fertile progeny when crossed with flowered forms, and many have dis- troduced. Two other favorites that R. calendulaceum. That would imply tinctive foliage qualities too. Unless grow side by side are R. "Gregory that many of the stunning hybrids in chased off the mountain by fierce Cover Girl," so named because a pic- these swarms could be tetraploid. Of thunderstorms or the threat of night- ture of this plant with its deep pink course, cytological studies would be fall, I usually stroll for hours through flowers and broad yellow blotch was needed to verify such a conjecture. acres of azaleas as though I am judg- printed on the cover of the Journal ARS ing some enormous flower show. I in 1996 [9]. Right beside this plant is Conclusions keep trying to decide which are the another striking azalea we call We often hear environmentalists best of the best, but there are so many R."Gregory Goldilocks," a brilliant voicing concerns over the destruction from which to choose. golden orange. One of the best plants of the rain forests in remote regions of on the bald is surely R. "Gregory Fuch- Members of our study group have the world, but we must realize that the sia" with two-inch flowers of fuchsia given many of the best forms special rich biological diversity here in our pink with a yellow flare. The plant own eastern forests is also at risk. We names, some of which are very de- has wonderful glossy green foliage, scriptive while others are more whim- constantly upset nature's balance, yet too. sical. In an article I wrote for the Jour- we are often unaware that we have nal American Rhododendron Society in There are many other plants on the done anything wrong. We build 1998 [5], I discussed my "Top Ten" on bald that we have identified as excel- roads, malls, shopping centers, and the bald. I gave names to some of the lent forms. We have been calling them new homes in the name of progress, favorites, like R."Gregory Christmas by strange names. For example, one yet replace the rich native flora with Red," one of the older plants on the is R. "Far Side Pink," because it is a masses of ordinary plants such as bald with deep red flowers and dark nice lavender pink on the far side of Leyland cypress or Bradford pears. We green leaves that reminded me of the bald away from most of the other must not lose the beauty and diver- Christmas poinsettias and holly favorites. There is R. "Fasti Pink," so sity that has evolved in our eastern leaves. Another favorite is R. "Gre- named because it has an upright or forests over millions of years by us- gory Blush," a large-flowered white fastigiated plant habit and soft rose ing mass-market substitutes for the brushed with pale pink that carries a pink flowers. A huge plant growing richness that was once all around us. bold yellow flare. The plant is on the right along the path in the center of As members of the Azalea Society right to greet visitors as they enter the the bald we call R. "Pink by the Path." of America, we must protect our na-

56 • THE AZALEAN/Fall 2001 tive azalea heritage, not only the many Don Hyatt has been an avid hybridizer species we admire, but also the spe- of azaleas and rhododendrons for over 30 cial places where these plants grow. years, with a particular interest in decidu- Jn Memory We need to identify the best forms of ous azaleas, and has been teaching math- The Society mourns the loss of our native azaleas, propagate them, ematics and computer science for 32 years. Dr. August Kehr, September 27, 2001, at and distribute this plant material to His exceptional web pages at http:// his home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He had arboreta and commercial nurseries so www.tjhsst.edu/—dhyatt/ been a member since 1979, was active that rare and superior forms are not gardencenter.html demonstrate his abil- in hybridizing azaleas, and was recently working to establish an Azalea Society lost forever. We also need to encour- ity to combine his work and avocation. Research Foundation. Contributions in Don is a former district director of the age commercial sources to propagate his honor can be sent to the Pinecrest the natives and make them widely ARS, and is now a director of the ASA Presbyterian Church, PO Box 191, Flat available so that there will be less pres- and the president of the Potomac Valley Rock, North Carolina 28739 or to the sure to steal plants from the wild. The ARS chapter. He can be reached by e-mail ASA, do Mr. Bob Stelloh, Treasurer, 585 general public is beginning to become at dhyatt\©tjhsst.edu. Ransier Drive, Hendersonville, North aware of the native azaleas and will Carolina 28739-7820. A more complete be looking for places to buy them. References memorial article is in progress for the 1.Clarkson, Roy B. 1964. Tumult on the winter issue of THE AZALEAN. We certainly must not forget that Mountains: Lumbering in West Virginia. there is a very delicate balance in na- McClain Printing Company, Parsons, ture. Environmentalists of all kinds West Virginia, pp. 1-44. must look for solutions to the bur- Position geoning populations of deer and other 2. Davidian, H.H. 1995. The Rhododen- destructive animals that are coloniz- dron Species, Volume IV: Azaleas. Tim- Opening ing as rapidly as we are. They pose a ber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. pp. risk not only to our suburban gardens 29-75. but also to many rare plants in wilder- Full charge Horticultural Director ness areas that we don't often see. 3. Galle, Fred C. 1985. Azaleas. Timber Press, Inc., Portland. pp. 65-78. needed at Quaker Hill Native Plant Technological advances have allowed Garden. Duties include the training us to travel easily around the world, Galle, Fred C. 1956. "Native and 4. and management of a large staff of but we have often brought back for- Some Introduced Azaleas for South- eign pests that have become plagues em Gardens: Kind and Culture." Ida gardeners, maintenance of computer- in our local regions. We must be ex- Cason Callaway Foundation, Pine ized plant record systems, design of tremely careful not to introduce such Mountain, Georgia. pp. 2-13. tree, and groundcover plantings, pests or diseases into native popula- tions, for they could devastate our 5. Hyatt, Donald W. 1998. "Return to oversight of nurseries, development of native azaleas. How sad it would be Gregory Bald." Journal American research materials and horticultural if petal blight became established in Rhododendron Society. 52 (3): 122-128. library. Requirements include a deep the Appalachian Mountains, melting 6. Hyatt, Donald W. June 2001. "East knowledge of eastern U.S. native the glorious azalea display just as it Coast Native Azaleas." http:// woody and forb plants, their opened. www.tjhsst.edu/—dhyatt/azaleas/. and care, experience in large scale gar- There is much more to our native 7. Kron, Dr. Kathleen A. 1996. "Iden- den plantings management, and the azalea heritage than an occasional or- tifying the Native Azaleas", THE ability to design and realize highly ange flower in someone's garden or a AZALEAN. 18(4): 72-74. glimpse of color along the Blue Ridge naturalized designs. This is an excit- Parkway. We need to educate the gen- 8.Leach, David G. 1961. Rhododendrons ing opportunity with excellent salary of the World. Charles Scribner's Sons, eral public so that others appreciate and benefits. Please reply by leter to: the wonderful diversity that exists in New York, pp. 15-16. nature. They must also become stew- 9. McLellan, George K. and Dr. Sandra Director of Design ards of our cause. If we can teach oth- McDonald. 1996. "Magic on the Quaker Hill Native Plant Garden ers to see the beauty that we see, per- Mountain: An Azalea Heaven on Gre- haps there is a chance to preserve such PO Box 667 gory Bald", Journal American Rhodo- treasures for future generations to en- Dewey Lane dendron Society. 50(2): 90-94. joy. Mankind has been the cause of Pawling, NY 12564 much destruction, but through educa- tion we can also bring a cure.

Fall 2001/THE AZALEAN • 57 East Meets West Deciduous Azaleas Joe Schild — Hixson, Tennessee Most, if not all of us are familiar with ite. This is a delightful form that I have to the mountains of Tennessee, North the native azalea species of the United used many times in my breeding pro- Carolina, and Georgia. In my garden, States, but there are a number of gram, though most often it is a pollen the Florida Azalea, R. austrinum, is a delightful deciduous azaleas originat- parent and crossed with a fragrant na- welcome harbinger of spring with a ing in Asia and one in Europe. This tive to mask its unpleasant leaf odor. fantastic flush of fragrant yellow slide program is intended to rouse With the very openly bell-shaped, blooms. some interest in those Asian forms and purplish rose blooms, R. albrechtii is a Blooming with it is R. pericly- tie them in with our North American very nice addition to the garden. It menoides, and the flowers of white to natives as landscape material. flowers as the leaves are emerging and deep rose offer an interesting contrast. My first impulse was to dive right is hardy to -15°F. The fragrance is highly variable be- into the Asian species and show you For very early flowering, R. mariesii tween individual plants, and some a few of the deciduous and evergreen and R. reticulatum accent the garden have no fragrance. forms, but since a number of you have with beautiful purplish flowers, as signed up for the Wayah Bald tour, let Flowering after the leaves start does R. dilatatum. us take a brief side trip. emerging is the Piedmont Azalea, R. For an upright and more tree form, canescens, and another fragrant species From the top of Wayah Bald, we R. sanctum is superb. The one shown of great report. In my garden, it is look out onto the eastern valley with is a multiple clone-from an introduced mounded and covered with nice pink Franklin visible in the distance. In form that originally grew in the Japa- flowers with light, sweet scent. have led many groups years past, I nese Royal Gardens. A cutting was and individuals to this wonderful On the Cumberland Mountain Pla- sent to Clifton Gann in Hixson, Ten- mountain, and I think it is imperative teau, one will find the two previously nessee, in 1937, from Wada Nursery. that all of us become mentors while mentioned species and a collection of Clifton grew it off to about 10 feet in teaching those younger than us the interspecific hybrids between R. size, and I rooted cuttings from that merits of native azaleas. Here are a few alabamense and R. prinophyllum. Flow- specimen in 1970. slides of groups I have introduced to ering in early May, R. calendulaceum is Wayah. The beauty of Wayah is much For evergreen species from Asia, I in flower along with some nice speci- more than the Flame Azaleas that set love R. macrorosepalum, for its very mens of R. viscosum around the upland the mountain on fire with bloom. It is hairy leaves and rose purple flowers. bogs. In late May and early June, R. one of the most accessible locations for It has been in my garden for over 15 cumberlandense and R. arborescens take those with disabilities or any not wish- years and survived temperatures well over the flowering with many inter- ing to do a lot of walking. below the rated 5°F. R. oldhamii, a simi- specific forms. I am fortunate to have Asian and European Species lar species, does not survive for me in this collection of azaleas within a 45- Now, on to the slides of a few Asian Zone 7a, though Buddy Lee has used minute drive of my home for study. it in the Deep South. and one European species, followed An interesting collection of native by many of our natives and a few For tough-as-nails hardiness, noth- azaleas, rhododendron, and wildflow- shots of my hybrids in my garden. ing beats R. yedoense var. poukhanense. ers are within a 10-minute drive of my Rhododendron wyrichii, shown here in Rated at -15°F, it will survive much home in the North Chickamauga my garden, is a very nice pink form lower temperatures and delivers a Creek Gorge. For scenic beauty, this that blooms early midseason and is beautiful purple flush of bloom in the place is "eye candy." It also happens hardy to -10°F. Like most of the Asian early spring. Though listed as ever- to be the home of R. maximum, R. deciduous species, the leaves are green, it is deciduous in most parts of catawbiense var. insolaria, R. arborescens, interesting with two or three at branch the country. R. viscosum, and Stewartia ovata var. ends. Many modern evergreen hybrids grandiflora. The single azalea species from may be traced back to R. kaempferi. Its Heat- and drought-tolerance is re- Europe is R. luteum, a highly fragrant plant habit, leaves, and beautiful flow- flected in the species R. flammeum, a yellow azalea, shown flowering in my ers are recognized as having some of tough shrub with glowing flowers of garden. It is very hardy to -15°F, and the best qualities. orange-red to bright yellow. For its scent spreads throughout the North American Species garden. example, the form R. 'Hazel Hamilton', Moving on to our native species, I a great yellow azalea with tight ball Of the yellow-flowering Asian spe- have chased their bloom cycles since trusses. cies, perhaps R. japonicum is my favor- 1969, from the panhandle of Florida

58 • THE AZALEAN/Fall 2001 Early midseason blooms of R. atlanticum, R. prinophyllum, and 2001 Annual Meeting Minutes R. viscosum fill my garden with a heady perfume and colors from white Azalea Society of America New Business to delicious pink. By mid-May, R. University of North Carolina — The Charter for the new Vaseyi calendulaceum is in full flower with col- Asheville, North Carolina Chapter was signed by outgoing June 16, 2001 President Bill Bode and incoming ors of yellow, orange, burnt orange, President Joe Schild, and signed and and watermelon red. President Bill Bode called the meet- sealed by incoming Secretary John For late flowering, the reds of R. ing to order at 9:02 p.m. with opening Brown. The Charter was then pre- cumberlandense and R. prunifolium are remarks. He congratulated the as- sented to Ed Collins, President of the contrasted with the white flowers of sembled members and officers on the Vaseyi Chapter. Sixteen members of R. serrulatum. increase in membership in a time the new Chapter were present for the Landscape Uses when other organizations are strug- ceremony. gling to survive. It was noted that the My home landscape reflects some- Joe Schild won the Best Article in thing of an eclectic collection that was Azalea Society website, azaleas.org, has brought in 14 new members in THE AZALEAN in 2000 Award for his put in about 15 years ago. Arranged stimulating article "Fire on the Moun- 2000 and 38 new members in 2001. In more for convenience than some well tains." It is worth re-reading. thought out plan, it affords me easy addition, 17 new members signed up access to the shrubs for breeding and at this convention. The results on the elections for Aza- propagation purposes. Numbering lea Society of America national offic- Old Business ers were announced. They are: about 1,500 shrubs, the landscape Reading of the Minutes: The min- gives us flowering azaleas, rhododen- utes of the last Annual Meeting were President — Joe Schild dron, mountain laurel, and wildflow- published in THE AZALEAN. Presi- Vice-President —Robert (Buddy) Lee ers from early April through Septem- dent Bode asked for and received a Secretary — John Brown ber. Ferns offer a fine-textured contrast motion from Bill McDavit that the Treasurer — Bob Stelloh with nine deciduous species used. minutes be accepted as published. A number of my own hybrids grace Bob Hobbs seconded the motion, and, Elected to the Board of Directors: my garden with their beauty. Crosses there being no objection, the motion Leslie Ann Naney, John Migas, and between a number of Exbury and Ilam was passed unanimously. Maarten van der Giessen hybrids with natives species have Retiring President Bill Bode laid given me some very hardy azaleas. As Treasurer's Report: A motion was down the gavel to a standing ovation mentioned early on, R. japonicum has made by Mrs. Donna Adams to accept that lasted for a period of minutes. A been used often, as has the Ilam the Treasurer's Report as presented to moistening in the President's eyes was for the good the Board of Directors. Billy Lucas Hybrid R. 'Primrose', undoubtedly due to the harsh glare of yellow color. seconded the motion. The motion the muted fluorescent lighting. passed unanimously. The final slides show a few of my Incoming President Joe Schild spoke hybrids that have bloomed for the first Bob Hobbs brought up the subject to the upcoming joint meeting of the time and will be tested over the next of and made a motion to publish the five to ten years. For this article, I men- American Rhododendron Society and Treasurer's Report in THE AZA- the Azalea Society of America to be tion only two: a cross between R. LEAN, on an annual basis. The mo- flammeum and the Exbury R. 'Gibraltar' held in Atlanta on April 17th through tion was seconded by Jim Thornton, the 21st of 2002. Jim Thornton is head- and one between R. 'Gibraltar' and R. and after debate, was passed by the arborescens. ing the committee for the ASA and members. The details of this report Earl Sommerville for the ARS. Joe will be left to the Board of Directors. Coleman is Chair of the Speakers Joe Schild has been an azalea chaser for Committee. The theme for the Con- over 30 years, and his gardens reflect his Joe Coleman made a motion to ac- cept the changes to the By-Laws as vention is "A Family Reunion." It passion for the natives. He is the current promises great tours and speakers. President of the ASA, president of the Ten- published in THE AZALEAN and to nessee Valley Chapter of the ARS, a mem- incorporate those changes into the By- A motion to adjourn was made by ber of the Tennessee Nursery and Land- Laws of the Azalea Society of America. Jim Thornton and seconded by Bill scape Association, landscape consultant The motion was seconded by E. White Bode at 9:30 p.m. and passed by the with Reflection Riding Arboretum, and an Smith and passed unanimously by attendees. voice vote. azalea breeder. Respectfully submitted, John Brown, Secretary

Fall 2001/THE AZALEAN • 59 Celebrating Native Azaleas These photographs are only a sampling of the wide range of azaleas, gardens, and fun captured during the Society's latest convention, June 14-17, 2001 in Asheville, North Carolina. It was a blast! The native azaleas fulfilled the theme, with Rhododendron calendulaceum and R. arborescens in peak bloom along the Blue Ridge Parkway and on the balds. The headquarters was the dining hall of the University of North Carolina-Asheville, one mile north of downtown Asheville, with housing in the nearby Mills Hall dormitory. One hundred and forty two attendees could choose from one of five different tours during the day, and, after a good meal, hear some excellent talks in the evenings.

1. Ed Collins: Ed Collins was our able Master of Cer- emonies for all the conven- tion speakers and events. Well done, Ed. [Photo by Bill Miller.]

2. Delectable Leslie Ann and David Nanney won the raffle for the mag- nificent commissioned wall quilt, entitled Delectable Mouptain Azaleas. Shown here is Teresa Reilly, a re- nowned quilter, the author of Five Seasons of Quilts, and a teacher and lecturer on quilting. The quilt features R. vaseyi and other native azaleas worked into the classic Delectable Mountains quilt design. [Photo by Bill Miller.] (‘‘, c\s, (\N., vs)

3. R. japonicum: This R. japonicum is a Thanks for the very delicate yellow- flowering Asian spe- Great Work! cies, and Joe's favorite. Thanks to all our tour leaders who made each one This species has often a successful adventure for azaleaphiles: Wes been used as a pollen Burlingame of Laurel Springs Nurseryfor the Blue parent in native hy- Ridge ParkwayTour Joe Schild for the Wayah Bald brid crosses. [Photo by Tour, Aaron Cook for the Copper Bald Tour Ed Joe Schild.] Collins on Friday and Bob Stelloh on Saturday for Hendersonville GardensTour, and to Doley Bell on 4. R. sanctum: Friday and Jim Holmes on Saturday for the R. sanctum has an Biltmore Estate Tour. Very special thanks to the upright habit and owners of the private gardens that were on tour, open single form. for manicuring their gardens, serving refresh- [Photo by Joe ments, and being gracious hosts: Denise and Bob Schild.] Stelloh. Mary and Ed Collins, Ev and Bruce Whit (more, red Manger, and Velnia Haag.

60 • THE AZALEAN/Fall 2001 ASA 2001 Convention Photo Album

Tours Here are selected images from the Hendersonville Gardens Tour. 5. Waterfall Garden: "Hie garden of Mary and Ed Collins has this outstanding waterfall, probably the largest private col- lection of Cowles hybrid rhododendrons, and a large variety of azaleas, wildflowers, and other ornamentals. [Photo by Bill Miller. ( 6. Yellow Salmon Flame: As seen on the Blue Ridge Park- way km r, here is a wonderful example of why so many Society members brag about the Flame Azalea, Rhododendron calendulaceum. (Photo by Bill Miller( 7. Fiery Red Azalea: This fiery red native hybrid is a na- tive hybrid developed by Velma I laag from R. arborescens x Camp's Red seen in her garden of hybrid rhododendrons and azaleas She also has stunning hillsides of Shortia, Galax, Tril- lium, and other native wildflowers. (Photo by Bill Miller( 9. Stelloh Garden: I lere, the tourgroup has refresh- 8. Waterfall and Ed Collins: The tour ended in the ments at Bob and Denise Stelloh 's garden. Shown (left to Dumon t State Forest for a foray into the woods to see I looker right) are: Ed Collins, David Nanney, Denise Stelloh, I a lisTriple I alls (sl tow] here) and a few native azaleas and wild- Barbara Bullock, and Earl and Verdie Sommerville. flowers in the wikl. (Photo by Bill Miller( (Photo by Bill Miller] More aim/moon photos on pow 6.1

Fall 2001/THE AZALEAN • 61 Survival of the Fittest: Azalea Seedling Selection Process at Transcend Nursery Robert Lee — Independence, Louisiana

Transcend Nursery is located in transplanted into these transplant selected group of azaleas that is Southeast Louisiana and is owned by trays. Large numbers of seedlings can healthy and hardy. At Transcend Robert and Dixie Lee. Son Ryan and be transplanted at this time because it Nursery, less than 50 percent of these daughter Kelsey assist with the is relatively inexpensive and doesn't little seedlings will continue to the nursery. I have been working with require a lot of space. In the spring of next level of selection. azaleas since 1970, beginning with my 2000, approximately 40,000 seedlings first part-time job at Folsom Nursery, were potted in these small containers. After the seedlings have grown in a commercial nursery that specializes New containers and growing trays are the transplant trays for 12 to 18 in the production of quality landscape used to help prevent potential months, it is time to pot the seedlings azaleas. I was employed as an azalea contamination of fungal disease from into six-inch containers. The elimina- grower for Beason Creek Nursery and previous plantings. The plant trays tion process becomes more decisive at was owner of Savannah Spring are raised approximately four inches this stage. Potting a seedling into a Nursery. My fascination with azaleas off the ground to give adequate drain- six-inch container is costly and space was kindled at an early age, and aza- age. Filtered shade is provided to consuming. Only the healthiest and leas continue to intrigue me. For the protect the young seedlings from most vigorous seedlings are continued past several years, I have been actively direct sunlight. The medium used for to the next phase. Plants with irregu- hybridizing to develope unique and potting consists of one part ground lar leaves and other deformities are hardy cultivars of azaleas. Association peat moss to five parts finely ground discarded. At Transcend Nursery this with organizations such as the Azalea pine bark mixture. The pine bark mix- spring (2001) 14,000 seedlings were Society of America and the American ture consists of 10-percent sand with potted into six-inch containers. The Rhododendron Society has been two pounds of Micro-Max and two container yard for the six-inch pots is extremely rewarding and has sup- pounds of lime per cubic yard. A liq- located in full sun under a timed plied me with a wealth of information uid fertilizer is initially applied to get sprinkler system. The plants are again about the many aspects of azaleas. the young seedlings off to a good start. subjected to any climatic conditions Later, a granular fertilizer is applied that arise. This is very similar to the Once a person has successfully to maintain adequate growth through- way commercial growers produce mastered the ability to cross-pollinate out the growing season. azaleas. The newly potted plants are azaleas, germinate the seeds, and fertilized, sheared, and maintained as grow the seedlings, the number of One selection goal is to develop with any traditional azalea crop. An azalea plants a person can accumulate azaleas that have more resistance to azalea that can withstand commercial over time can become overwhelming. the common pests and diseases that growing processes has a better chance An overriding desire to keep almost may cause damage to azaleas. There- of being accepted in the nursery in- every seedling can decrease the over- fore, a minimal amount of chemicals dustry. all effectiveness of a breeding (insecticide, miticide, and fungicide) program. It also can become a is applied to the young seedlings. A As the azalea seedlings grow, the burdensome situation that is both natural elimination process is allowed plants are regularly observed, and space- and time-consuming. A key to occur. The newly transplanted inferior plants are removed. Plants component to an azalea-breeding pro- seedlings are not provided green- that have poor growth patterns or leaf gram is a continuous selection process house protection and are subjected to deformities or those that just fail to that eliminates inferior seedlings and whatever weather conditions may thrive are eliminated at this point. The identifies potentially superior come. In the Gulf South, this could overall objective is to retain only the seedlings. range from extremely hot and humid healthiest and most desirable plants days and nights during the spring and throughout the selection process. Past The selection process at Transcend summer to wildly extreme tempera- experience with keeping seedlings Nursery begins at an early stage. Once ture fluctuations during the fall and that lack vigor has been extremely the azalea seedlings have reached winter. Hot and humid conditions are unrewarding. Keeping plants that approximately one inch in height in as responsible for seedling demise as have leaf deformities, in hopes that the the germination trays, they are trans- extremely cold conditions. This "sur- plant will outgrow this condition, has planted into individual two-inch- vival of the fittest" plant selection also proven unsuccessful. One such diameter growing containers. All the mentality will hopefully result in a plant that otherwise has a beautiful viable seedlings of each cross are flower has been planted in my yard

62 • THE AZALEAN/Fall 2001 since 1993 and continues to have what warm temperatures. Selected seed- not make the "cut" are removed I call "crinkle leaf." This leaf deformity lings from the R. 'Watchet' and R. 'Au- (reluctantly) to make room for the seems to be genetically based. gust Through Frost' crosses are pres- oncoming crop of new seedlings. My ently under final evaluation. past experience as a commercial aza- First-year seedlings hybridized for lea grower and azalea collector has multi-seasonal blooming traits usually After the seedlings have been in the had a big influence on what I wish to six-inch containers for approximately started their blooming for the first see in an azalea. Azaleas hybrids by time around the middle of June. All one year and spring blooming begins, nature have a wide spectrum of flower of these initial plants were the result another aggressive selection event color, size, and form. This, for me, is Rhododendron gets underway. An azalea seedling's of crosses between the true wonder and beauty of azaleas. oldhainii 'Fourth of July' and numer- first bloom may not be the best indi- ous named cultivars that have fall- cator of a plant's future performance; The selected azaleas are potted into blooming tendencies. Plants were se- however, it is the most practical crite- to a larger nursery container. Each lected not only for all of the common rion. I have selected what I had con- plant is carefully checked for winter desirable traits (flower color, flower sidered some spectacular blooming damage before being potted. Plants form, growth habit, etc.) but also for plants solely on their first flowering, that show any bark split or cold dam- their free-flowering characteristic and only to be terribly disappointed the age are eliminated. Individual plants the ability of the flower to withstand next time they bloomed. However, as are labeled with metal tags at this time heat. Each selected was a general rule, most flowering seed- to ensure accurate identification. Only propagated and tested under commer- lings selected at this time tend to stay plants that a person truly wants to care cial production conditions. The fairly true to flower size, form, and for and carefully evaluate for the next Encore Azaleas were selected from color during the next blooming sea- several years should be allowed to these cloned seedling groups by son. Slight variations of flower color reach this point. I visualize my plant Flowerwood Nurseries, Inc., and PDSI can occur from year to year due to breeding and selection process as a of Loxley, Alabama. Tedious work, environmental and nutritional factors. pyramid-shaped type of venture, re- data collecting, observation, along Healthy seedlings that develop heavy alized over time, starting with a broad with numerous man-hours went into flower bud sets, have good flower- base composed of numerous seedlings the final testing and selection of this color clarity, have a desired flower and ending at an apex of a few remain- group of azaleas. form, and are very floriferous during ing superior plants. Over time, their first blooming period, are in all through good observation and record The cultivars R. 'Watchet' and R. probability the most viable plants to keeping, some of these superior seed- 'August Through Frost' crossed with keep for further evaluation. Selecting lings may prove themselves worthy of several Encore Hybrids have pro- flower color is a very subjective un- being named and registered. duced plants with a wider color varia- dertaking, which differs from person tion (especially white) not commonly continued on next page to person. Honestly, I have never seen found in the Encore Azaleas. Most of an ugly blooming azalea. Deciding the R. 'Watchet' crosses also have very which will be selected heavy fall-blooming characteristics. is based on the overall appearance and One oddity noted with these crosses effect that it presents. Plants that do is the occasional very dwarf-type seedlings that are produced. These dwarf seedlings are all very similar, re- gardless of the cross, with a compact A FAMILY growth habit and small waxy leaves. REUNION R. 'August Through Frost' crossed with several of Encore Hybrids has produced plants that are heavy spring 2002 bloomers with repeat blooms begin- ning in May and ending in late fall A Joint Convention with the arrival of colder weather. of the These plants would almost bloom con- American Rhododendron Society tinuously under the right conditions. and the One negative characteristic of the R. Azalea Society of America 'August Through Frost' crosses is that ATLANTA, GA some have flowers that tend to wilt down very easily with excessively APRIL 17-21, 2002 See our web page at http://arsazalea.tripod.com

Fall 2001/THE AZALEAN • 63

Buddy Lee has been involved with These blooms generated azaleas for almost 30 years, and is best by crossing the lavender known as the developer of the multi- spider azalea R. 'Koromo season blooming Encore Azaleas. As the Shikibu' with the bright owner of Transcend Nursery, he is white R. 'Snow' show currently active in the development and how variable the result- testing of new evergreen azalea varieties. ing populations can be. He is a long-time member of the Louisi- (Photo by Buddy Lee.) ana Chapter of the ASA and has been their president; he coordinated the 1991 and 2000 annual conventions, and he is currently Vice President of the ASA. More Convention Highlights

The addition of a new chapter with 40 new members in the Hendersonville, North Carolina, area shows how vital our Society is and how interest in studying the local native azaleas has helped attract members. Here are a few highlights of the annual meeting.

1. Changing Leadership: Bill Bode hands over the reins of leadership to new Society President Joe Schild. Bill was given a standing ovation for his services be- fore we let him sit down. [Photo by Bill Miller.]

2. Joe Schild Takes Over: Not only is Joe Schild our new Society President, but he also won the award for Best Article, for his "Fire on the Mountains" article from the June issue. [Photo by Bill Miller.]

3. Presentation of New Charter: Out-going So- ciety President Bi II Bode presents Vaseyi Chapter Presi- dent Ed Collins with the chapter's new charter, while Toe Schild looks on. 'Photo by Bill Miller.] 4. R. vaseyi: R. vaseyi, the "Pinkshell Azalea" was the featured azalea for the convention, being the name- sake for the new Vaseyi Chapter formed in the Hendersonville, North Carolina, area. This dark se- lection is named R. "419.2" for milepost location along the Blue Ridge Parkway where it was found. [Photo by Ed Collins.]

64 • THE AZALEAN/Fall 2001 Society News

Historic Documents Treasurer's Report — 2000 Sources and Uses of Funds Needed by Your Income (Sources) 2000 Totals 1999 Totals Secretary The Azalean $ 2,048.52 $ 2,941.98 John B. Brown — Membership Dues 17,982.00 19,893.00 Gifts 3,580.00 1,433.00 Cleveland, South Carolina Interest 2,234.17 1,951.86 Other Income 4,964.63 4,038.50 This was my second convention and Total Income $ 30,809.32 $ 30,258.34 I found the same congenial, easygo- ing group in Asheville that appeared Expenses (Uses) in Charleston. Charleston was a great Awards and Mem. 503.60 111.85 The Azalean convention (orchestrated by Buddy 19,818.28 18,544.93 Dues Expense Lee), so it was easy to be friendly. We 2,301.53 3,224.21 Member Roster 914.58 700.33 got lucky in Asheville and had no Other Expense 9,976.29 3,661.95 major boo-boos. It was easy to be Other Postage 995.67 618.98 friendly in Asheville, especially in the Total Expenses $ 34,509.95 $ 26,864.25 setting chosen for us by Bob Stelloh and the Convention Committee. How- Income-Expenses $ -3,700.63 S 3,394.09 ever, the group that I met in Asheville Net Assets $ 58,039.74 $ 59,468.38 would have been friendly in almost R. T. Stelloh, Treasurer 8/24/01 any given situation. It is a nice group and I feel privileged to be a part of the party. To earn my place in the group, I hope to contribute my talents as your Secretary for the next several years Membership Year Changes and trust that you will call on me if I Too many of our new members join thinking behind this is to give the new can help your membership in the So- for one year and never renew their members enough time to properly ap- ciety to be more enjoyable in any way. membership. To induce more of these preciate their benefits of membership I call on each of you to balance the new members to renew, the Board of before they get their renewal notice. equation and contribute something of Directors recently voted to extend the This extended year has been granted value (an article in THE AZALEAN membership of new members joining to every new member who joined on or cookies at the next chapter meet- on or after May 1 for an extra year. The or after May 1, 2001. ing) to balance your books with the Society. As the incoming Secretary, I would like to make my first (of many) re- quests of the members and leaders of ITAIOt WITH VO AsA ME the Society. In taking over the office, I My name is Piero Sambucci, and I am an ASA member, specializing in nursery grown found that many of the records of the azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons. I live in Velletri, a small city 25 miles from the ASA have not been collected and center of Rome and located in the famed Alban Hills formed by an ancient volcano, now passed along. If you have, or know extinct. Two beautiful crater lakes are 10 miles from Velletri, and 20 miles to the south lies the Mediterranean Sea with its wonderful beaches. Tivoli is only an hour's drive who does have, any significant records away with the Villa d'Este, famous for its gardens and fountains. Two hours away are please contact me and let us decide Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento, and Florence is three hours away. how best to handle them. I am look- I propose to rent my house from June through February for two-week intervals to ing for documents—signed or other- members of the ASA and their friends. To make yor vacation relaxed and comfortable I wise—that will track the activities and will provide you with continental breakfast and dinner, plus transportation with a van progress of the Society, especially pho- every day of your vacation. I will meet you at the airport when you arrive, and from tographs, news articles, and what- then on I will look after you, take you to cities, parks and gardens of central Italy. At nots. This group is expanding when home in the evenings you will find dinner ready (Italian food). You will get the real taste of Italy. others are shrinking. Somebody is doing something right, and we should Form a group of four or five and come to the country of art and natural beauty. For a record the events that brought us to brochure contact Piero Sambucci, C/DA Acqua Palomba 2, 00049 Velletri, Roma, Italy. Tel.: 0329 628 74 74; Fax: 06 963 50 77; Email: [email protected] this point.

Fall 2001/THE AZALEAN • 65 Chapter News

Ben Morrison Chapter a public relations success. No new the cutting picnic. Joan Sweeney —Nezvletter Editor members joined on the spot, but time Don Hyatt, member of the Northern jlsweeney@netscape. net will tell. Virginia Chapter and chapter presi- Ben Morrison's excellent newsletter, May 12th Bob McWhorter, Carol dent Bob McWhorter have been dis- The Azalea Alert has evolved over the Segree, and Gray Carter attended the cussing establishing closer ties be- past two years that Joan Sweeney has Potomac Valley Chapter of the ARS tween the Northern Virginia, been its newsletter editor. The most plant sale and flower show. Quoting Brookside Garden, and Ben Morrison recent editions have been a compen- from the newsletter: "Gray and Carol chapters. More news on these efforts dium of highly relevant azalea care serve as foster parents for a large col- as it becomes available. and culture e-mails as well as Society lection of plants and made a big con- t'got'kt'gi*'go*'got'k 0k 04, business. Despite Joan's wonderful tribution of time and effort bringing Northern Virginia Chapter work and sincere thanks from the the plants and setting them up for Frances Louer —Corresponding Secretary chapter, Joan is stepping down. Bob sale." Carol and Bob both entered [email protected] Hobbs, Bee Hobbs, and Carol Flow- flowers in the show for which they Dave Nanney took over as president ers will co-edit the chapter newsletter, received ribbons. This plant sale and of the chapter at the February 25 meet- The Azalea Alert. Send gardening tips, flower show was very successful: 11 ing, which was packed with informa- azalea experience, or offer suggestions new members signed up and about 60 tion. First, he announced that mem- or ideas that you think chapter plants were sold. The point of men- members would be interested in ber Bob Stewart had introduced one tioning this in the ASA journal is that reading, to Bob Hobbs, rwhobbs@ of his new azaleas R. 'Ashley Ruth', it was a lot of fun and Bob McWhorter mindspring.com or to Carol Flowers at and that it was described in the win- would like to see the Ben Morrison dflowers@ bellatlantic.net. (Information ter 2001 issue of the Journal ARS, in Chapter have its own sale and show. for this paragraph from Bob the Plant Name Register section. The McWhorter.) The July cutting picnic and business chapter approved buying both the May 6th Bob and Rosa McWhorter meeting was held Sunday, July 15, at 1997 Dictionary of Satsuki Varieties opened their Rosa Gardens for a pub- Wake-robin, the home of Nuran and and Success with Rhododendrons and lic garden tour that was also a chap- Joe Miller. Both azalea cuttings and Azaleas for the chapter library. ter membership-recruiting event. companion plants were exchanged. Then, Bob Hobbs, as a guest lecturer, About 50 guests took the tour, which Chapter members had been invited to covered about 13 different hybrid had been advertised in the local pa- come to the U.S. National Arboretum groups in his presentation entitled per, the West County News. A special July 13 to take some cuttings from the "Help! I'm Trying to Understand Hy- addition—and another way to inform older azalea cultivars. This effort will brid Groups" at the George Mason people about the ASA—were the ten help perpetuate populations of these Branch of the Fairfax County Librar- "Azalea Gardening Tip Sheets" devel- old cultivars as well as provide stock ies. From secretary Lee McElvain's oped by Charles and Wanda Hanners for both a chapter plant sale and the minutes, his presentation "...featured from Azalea Trace and distributed 2004 ASA Convention plant sale. The many outstanding azaleas with an ex- during the tour. They not only give chapter had asked for wish lists for planation of the unique features dis- concise information, they also direct cuttings and these six were requested tinguishing the groups and the goals the reader to join the local chapter of particularly: `Tuki Gumpo', 'Fancy and accomplishments of the "hybrid- the ASA! Contact them at Gumpo', 'Rose Gumpo', 'Pink izers." The interaction between the [email protected]. Finally, Gray Gumpo', 'Ben Morrison', and 'Martha speaker and those in the audience led Carter provided plants, signs, and a Hitchcock'. Chapter officer elec- to a lively discussion of the relative wooden figure called "Welcoming tions were held during the business merits of many of the varieties—par- Gardener" to people who became new meeting, with the following results: ticularly as they perform in this area. members as a result of the tour. Gray It is impossible to repeat all of the good also attracted garden visitors to his Robert L. McWhorter — President information exchanged." Don Hyatt "How to Plant Cuttings" demonstra- David Holm — Vice President tion. Other chapter support included Carol Flowers — Secretary followed with a "hands-on" workshop Joe Miller, who brought plants, and Dale Flowers — Treasurer on starting native azaleas from seed. helped Bob and Bee Hobbs and Dale Thanks to Bob Hobbs for handling He provided seeds, soil, and cups for and Carol Flowers greet guests, ac- officer nominations. Joan Sweeney is those who wanted to participate. companied them on tour, and re- the new chapter 2001 "Top Gun" re- Bill Steele's presentation, "Late cruited at the same time. The garden cruiter; she personally recruited two Blooming Azaleas," followed April's was in peak bloom and the event was new members and brought them to business meeting at Green Springs

66 • THE AZALEAN/Fall 2001 Gardens Park. He passed out a help- The March 18 meeting was held at been found that will improve the pre- ful list for the slides he showed and the Rockdale County Extension Ser- sentation, so revision is in progress. focused on varieties that bloom from vice Center with 21 members present, Joe and Donna Coleman hosted the late May, or in June or July, as well as including new member Glenn McBay. June 23 cutting party and plant swap the August to fall bloomers. Bill grows Ray Goza presented slides of azaleas at their home and garden in Lithonia, and sells about 2,600 varieties of aza- on Roan Mountain, located on the bor- Georgia. The Colemans have the most leas in his nursery in West Chester, der between North Carolina and Ten- extensive collection of azaleas in the Pennsylvania. He contributed the ar- nessee. The best time to visit the 5,000- region. In addition, Al Penland ticle, "What are Those Spots?" to THE foot elevation site is around Father's brought 40 plants for sale, represent- AZALEAN (March 2000, Vol. 22 (1): Day for azaleas and July 4th for rhodo- ing about 19 varieties, mainly Glenn 8), showing why his customers travel dendrons. What you will see if you Dale hybrids that he had developed long distances to visit his operation. visit is lots of native azaleas in colors from cuttings. The Brookside Gardens chapter of yellow to orange, largely from R. b4, b-ft okt.,b4, awarded him the Frederic P. Lee calendulaceum, and purple to pink R. Tri-State Chapter award. He is also active in District catawbiense, mainly on the sides of the Robin Hahn, President Eight of the American Rhododendron hill, not the top. 812-985-9388 Society and a board member of the James Harris then presented his The chapter covered a lot of ground Valley Forge Chapter, receiving its newly hybridized azaleas. James bronze medal for his achievements. in its spring meeting and garden tour talked about Ralph Pennington who April 21-22. They met first at the home Barry Sperling organized the annual had 750 varieties of azaleas in his nurs- of Helen, Steve, and David Schroeder chapter garden tour that took place ery and talked with Ben Morrison, in Evansville, Indiana, to view azaleas May 5th. Members toured the gardens Bruce Hancock, and Dewey Garrett in bloom, especially Schroeder hybrid of Dave and Leslie Nanney in West who had 2,500 varieties. The James azaleas. Their Holly Hills Nursery Springfield, Lee McElvain in Falls Harris hybrids are available from Earl grounds also contain many native aza- Church, the 13-acre estate of Marga- Hester's Azalea Nursery in leas. ret White in Annandale, and a few Fayetteville, and by wholesale only Members then drove to the home of went on to see Phil Collins' garden from Transplant Nursery in Lavonia, Art and Rae Schroeder to view a with azaleas that are over 40 years old. Georgia. James is currently working woodland setting of wildflowers in- At the July 29 meeting at Green with Plant Development Services of cluding trilliums, blue phlox, Spring Gardens Park, Joe Klimavicz Loxley, Alabama. The Burbank Nurs- Solomon's Seal. The stars of the show showed slides of both his own hybrids eries in New South Wales, Australia, were beds of daylilies the Schroeders and those of Bob Stewart. Then the also have some of his azaleas. A propagate from their yard. members enjoyed a cutting exchange unique feature of this nursery is that The last stop was at Kenny and and plant swap and picnic. they rent plants to department stores, rather than selling them. Jeanne Brown's. This viewing in- Such a deal the Northern Virginia cluded evergreen and deciduous aza- Chapter offered recently on the Frank Bryan collected survey results leas, hostas, a water garden, perenni- azaleas.org mail-list! Barry Sperling for suggested meeting topics and the als, a bog garden, and a rock-covered invited any and all to come to the members' lists of "Good Doers." John dry stream. chapter's annual plant auction, held Callaway donated beautiful wooden The group then traveled 25 miles to at the home of David and Sharon bird-nesting boxes for sale; proceeds historic New Harmony, Indiana. A Raden in Annandale, Virginia. Their of $82 went to the chapter treasury. German religious sect started the town garden is beautiful as an added incen- Frank Bryan, Al Penland, and Jim in 1814. Many restored historic build- tive. He promised that "Now you can Thornton reported that the "Selecting ings and antique shops were within get those plants you can't find at the and Growing Azaleas" slide series be- walking distance of the meeting that Nothin-Special-Is-Us Superstore ing developed in conjunction with the was held with Great Rivers Holly down the street, put some character Cooperative Extension Service in Ath- Chapter at the New Harmony Inn. Jim into your garden, and spend only a ens, Georgia, is in its 11th draft. All Sanders, a local historian gave a pre- pittance." Some of the plants on offer slides have been scanned and put in sentation about historic New Har- will be ones Dave and Leslie Nanney sequence in PowerPoint software, ed- mony from its beginnings to the bought at the 2001 ASA Convention ited by cropping, focusing, and color present day. A plant auction followed in Asheville, North Carolina. adjusting using PhotoShop software. the meeting. The next day, the group tat., bk tvi tvo A master gardener has assisted by pre- toured the historic sites Mr. Sanders Oconee Chapter paring graphics for technical data, a had introduced the night before. cold-zone map, and introduction and Frank L. Bryan—Newsletter Editor A fall meeting is in the planning conclusion. More photos have since rudietorudie©aol.com stages.

Fall 2001/THE AZALEAN • 67 NEW MEMBERS New Members since February 26, 2001 The length of this list of 115 new members is very good news for the Society. Of these, 47 joined by e-mail through the Society website. An asterisk (*) indicates that the new member has an e-mail address. Consult the online Roster for more information and the printed 2001 Roster accompanying this issue for addresses. I Just as a point of intent, the 57 members who have joined as at-large members come from 23 states, from Hawaii and California to Minnesota and Florida, plus Canada and one from Austria. ALL a]u. Wayne & Carolyn Shupp* Northern Virginia Robert & Donna Adams Bill Sweeney Philip J. Collins* Adkins Arboretum* Ann Tatum* Dan Gabel Barbara Alexander Guy Trengove-Jone Robert Horen* Richard & Sandra Antony* Beth Waldorf* Merritt Barnett* Harry & Linda Wallace* Oconee Robert Batts* Jerome V. Ward* Tony Armer* Richard A. Branham Remsberger Willibald Chip & Cathy Chappelle* Susan Brassill & Harry Parker Sr. Carrie & C. V. Winter* Willis & Bettie Harden Paul Brothers* Boots & Dave Wright* Annette Harris & Joseph Drogan* Anita Burke* Mrs. Ann Booth Young* James Harris Louise Chilson Valley Forge Chapter ARS Mark Johnson* Marit & Harry Colfer Beth & Steve Young* L. Glenn McBay Thomas Conover Douglas Rouner* Jim Darden, Darden's Nursery Ben Morrison Deloris E. Smith* Harold M. Dodd* Charles W. & Kathryn M. Grove Candy Feller* Virginia Hennings* Tri-State Raymond T. Fisher* Debra & Peter Hughes Karl W. Glander* Lucy S. Foster Chris & Ruth Noble* Al & Brenda French Norman Peterson Vaseyi Beth French* Jeff Pierpoint & Kathy Richardson* Adrian & Lynn Ades* Flora C. Garrett Mary & Michael Redshaw* Dorothy E. Alkire* Rosemary & Dale Hartman* Ed Schaeffer* Ken H. Anderson* John Heinze* Gabrielle F. Scott Parker Andes Henry R. (Hank) Helm* Barbara & Tom Smith* Alison Arnold, The NC Arboretum* Ross Iverson David & Stacy Stinchcomb* Herbert D. Bateman* Roy Kawagoe Richard Bir* Ken & Margaret Kent* Brookside Gardens Wes Burlingame Ernest F. Koone III Bill Brown* Harold L. Crutcher Nick & Mardie Lapcevic* Dr. A. R. Fitzburgh* Phil Dodson* Joe L. Lewis* John Palmer* Mary H. Fawcett* Ted Lockwood* Serge Shewchuk* Bruce Goforth Don & Flo Mabe* Dr. Robert B. Taylor* Ronald & Nancy Hooper* Jo Magnusson* Joan & Reid Warren* Wayne Hutchins Terry Matthews* J. Jackson & Lindy Johnson* Joe & Barbara McClaugherty Dallas Fred C. Kalmbach* Paulina M. Miller* Ken Kubiak* Samuel D. Kimbrell* R. A. "Mitch" Mitchell* E. H. Corrigan, Rio Bravo Irene & Hilton Lee Doug Moore Enterprises Ed & Ellen Riley, Wa Ya Nursery Kristine Nielsen and and Tree Farm* Dr. Emery E. Ulrich* Louisiana Ray & Sara Thomson* Ronda L. Oglesby Chris Friedrichs Aileen W. Wieland* Albert Paolini* Lake & Plantation Garden Club David Rathbun, LeAnne McGoogan* Quaker Hill Native Plant Garden Lynne Moore* Joan Schiff* George & Sharon Semko*

68 • THE AZALEAN/Fall 2001