The Rhododendron: Washington’s State Flower

Rhododendron

“Of all the chores in the garden, I find [dead-heading rhododendrons] the most agreeable . . . I let the blossoms tumble to the earth so that they form a glowing pool of colour which makes them look, from a distance, as though Monet had been wandering around with a loaded brush.”
— Beverley Nichols, “Garden Open Today”

The rhododendrons are now pretty much withered and faded, but I did want to try painting them this year.  The coast rhododendron is Washington State’s flower, voted in 1892.  They come in so many colors.

Watercolor sketch of rhododendron

Rhododendron on my kitchen windowsill

Rhododendron at Lakewold Gardens

Rhododendron at Lakewold Gardens

Delicate rhododendron blossom