I forgot to show you a plant I'd never seen before that we found in several masses at Sarah P Duke Gardens a few weeks ago. It is called Spider Azalea, Rhododendron macrosepalum 'Linearifolium.'
This azalea was in the garden along with the camellia plantings. The blooms are not showy like most of the other azaleas. The form of the entire plant makes this a cool plant if you ask me. Below is a poor photo of what the mature bush looks like.
Spider Azalea was introduced from Japan to the west back in 1980. I was kind of shocked when we found the tag displaying the plant name as an azalea, it never crossed my mind this could be an azalea.
I'll leave you with this photo of Dot the Wonder Dog and Grumpy the one-eyed cat. Dot is Meg's daughter's dog and Grumpy is my very affectionate cat. They met just a few years ago. Grumpy would sit where he could keep his one eye on both the dogs at all times. These days Grumpy rules the animal kingdom here.
24 comments:
Huh, never heard of that before. How neat!
Wish my dog and cats would cuddle!
Happy 100th post Randy! I agree that spider azalea is very unusual. Thanks for sharing this.
Love the cat and dog together. Our cat used to lay in front of the fireplace with one of the dogs. Sweet picture.
Very unusual looking plant, but pretty. Cute pictures of Dot and Grumpy. Helen
Very interesting plant .I think this would make a great Bonsai specimen as well
Ian
Hi Randy;
Do you know the hardiness of this azalea? I really like them but have always stayed away because we get so much snow here I figured I'd be spending all my time covering them up in the fall and saying "Oh damn!" in the spring.
George Africa
The Vermont Gardener
Congrats on your 100th posting Randy! Love that first shot :-D
Very unique-looking azalea for sure! Looks like someone forgot to put their glasses on before classifying it. lol A beautiful plant.
Very cute shot of Dot and Grumpy. My JRT used to inadvertently snuggle with our indoor cat when they both laid in the sun spot created by our skylights. They would both be curled up, backs touching. Amazing considering how prickly Molly (the dog) was with other animals at other times.
George,
I believe the zones for this spider azalea is zones 6-9 not sure if that would include Vermont. Striking plant too.
You are a veteran now Randy!Veteran of Blogosphere! Congratulations on your 100th post! Our WA state is full of azalias and rhododendrons, but, shame on me, I never heard about this interesting plant! Its flowers are lovely! As for the people on the chair - aaahhh... I am melting looking at them.
Definitely a collector's azalea. I was surprised when I found it in my 1985 azalea book, never noticed it before.
"It is of garden origin and has been known in Japan for over 300 years by the name 'Seigai' It is a very striking accent plant with good fall foliage color."
Linear leaves, linear blossoms blooming in fall. Very un-rhododendron-like.
This azalea gives the appearance of a Japanese Maple, don't you think?? The lacy foliage? It really is beautiful... and it's odd to look at the computer that shows flowers blooming and then out the window that shows so much snow! ;-) Have a great day - and congratulations on your 100th post!! :-)
A beautiful azalea... so unusual. Love the portrait of your sleeping wonder dog and the grumpy. Did you know there is a link to your blog from LeSan's wonderful village post? Happy 100th post!
I also meant to say ... how fantastic your first photo is! The background color with the delicate flower ... lovely! Carol
Congrats on 100 posts!
The Spider Azalea really is a neat one, never have seen that type before. I wonder if our Japanese Gardens here has them, I'll have to look next time I visit.
The last picture is just too sweet.
That's a very cool azalea. I also think it looks like a weeping Japanese maple.
I've never heard of spider azalea either---and I lived in the southeast for many years. It's quite interesting. I wonder how it flowers?
Is Dot a wire fox terrier? We had one for many years; she died of old age a few years ago. She was quite a character.
Tatyana,
Guess I might be a blog vet by now, my first handyman blog at least 3 years old.
Shady,
I also think it looks like a Japanese maple in form.
Pam,
I looked up the Spider Azalea and it blooms more in the spring. Nothing was noted about them being fall blooming like the ones at Duke gardens.
Pam,
Dot is a Jack Russel Terrier and very wild and crazy for 13 yo.
Dot and Grumpy are just the cutest! I love their names. They must be real characters and a lot of fun to have around. Lucky you!
The azalea reminds me a japanese maples. It does have a pretty cool form, I agree. I think those flowers are pretty even if they are more subtle than the more common azalea.
Oh, and I keep forgetting to tell you how fantastic I think that header picture of the dragonflies is. Simply stunning clarity and the color is amazing. Great shot!!
Very cute photo of your pets! i can't imagine a cat and a dog at peace (together)! As for the azalea, that's unique. And a nice shade of pink too!
I think cats always rule the kingdom, or at least they think they do! That's a very neat azalea. The blooms almost remind me of a witchhazel.
Ha! Dot and Grumpy are so cute. Who says cats and dogs can't get along... Teresa
I enjoyed your blog! That photo of your dog and cat is too cute!!! That must be true friendship. :)
Beautiful azalea, esp as a specimen plant.
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