Fall Color in Rhododendrons 

 

    
 

    
 When
    we imagine fall we usually see large masses of saturated colors,
    but a closeup look can dazzle in a different way. Even large
    leaf rhododendrons change color, often brilliantly. The isolated
    intensity of a few previous year's leaves contrasts vividly with
    current year foliage.

    
Captain Jack, left


    
Naomi Nautilus, right


    
Tiffany and Ostbo's Red, below

     

 

    
The complementary colors of the old and
    new leaves on Tiffany create a striking effect since the pattern
    is quite uniform over the entire plant.

    


    
 


    
Leaves are not the only rhododendron color
    in the fall. Ostbo's Red Elizabeth usually blooms twice a year,
    as shown in this October 15th picture. Note also the blackish
    purple new growth of summer.














© 2001 by John and Doreen Anderson