1999 The Rhododendron

• Date: 22nd January 2016
• author: T.G.Walduck

The great majority of Rhododendron species are native to the Himalayan Mountains – from Kashmir to Bhutan and associated high country in Burma and SW China. Although much of this region has a very cold climate due to its altitude, the lower slopes have climates ranging from cool temperate to tropical. Broadly, the vegetation ranges from stunted alpine shrubs to monsoon rainforest. The rhododendrons which are found throughout this region have an equally. wide range of site preferences when relocated for horticulture. Therefore, the selection of the original breeding stock could be crucial to the success of these plants in their new homes. When rhododendrons were first brought to Australia from England, there must have been doubts about their ability to succeed here, because the breeding stock had been selected for growing conditions in Britain which are colder than most of the Himalayan foothills. Obviously, they have succeeded here, and that underlines the adaptability of the genus. However, we could have done better by getting our own basic plant material from other sources in the wild where the climate is a closer match to our conditions in southeastern Australia and New Zealand…excerpt from article Did we get the right rhododendrons? by T.G.Walduck page 7

CONTENTS
Branch Information………………………………………………………………………….2
President’s Report Neil Jordan…………………………………………………………….3
Life Members…………………………………………………………………………………5
Did we get the right rhododendron? T.G. Walduck………………………………..7
Plant classification and nomenclature Peter Valder…………………………………17
Rhododendron rarilepidotum – an outstanding form Brian Clancy……………….25
Rhododendron sikangense var. exquisitum – a brief note Ken Gillanders………..29
Melbourne’s International Rhododendron Conference 2000………………….31
Azalea and rhododendron lace bugs Ken Gillanders………………………………33
Rhododendrons as media stars Lesley Eaton………………………………………..36
National Annual Conference, Wollongong Barry Stagoll………………………..37
A rhododendron institution passes Neil Jordan……………………………………..39
A member honoured – Rhododendron rousei Richard Francis…………………….41
Grafting rhododendrons Neil Jordan…………………………………………………..43
New Registrations 1998–99 Graeme Eaton………………………………………….45
Annual Report Barry Stagoll…………………………………………………………….50
Treasurer’s Report and Society Accounts…………………………………………….53