April is the month that Eureka typically celebrates the rhododendron in grand style.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, this year’s Rhododendron Parade — sponsored by the Rotary Club of Old Town Eureka — and related festivities and events had to be canceled. The 55th annual parade was scheduled for April 25, which coincides with peak blooming season for rhododendrons here on the North Coast.
Today is the last day of April so, before May begins, the Times-Standard decided to celebrate the popular blooms with some help from the Eureka Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.
“Rhododendrons and azaleas grow really well in the coastal zones of Humboldt County. They grow in abundance and in pockets of the wild throughout Humboldt,” said June Walsh, newsletter editor for the Eureka Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society and a University of California Extension trained Master Gardener.
In an email interview with the Times-Standard this week, Walsh noted that rhododendrons were very popular in the late 1880s to the early 1900s, “which is why there are so many huge, old specimens growing in the gardens of our lovely Victorian homes. They are mostly hybrids from England, which added to their popularity.”
Rhododendrons offer variety in the garden as they come in varying shapes, colors and sizes — from giant trees to diminutive shrubs, she said.
“With many colors and leaf textures, there is a rhododendron to please connoisseurs and weekend gardeners alike,” Walsh said. “There are even several highly scented rhododendrons and azaleas. … Rhododendron blooms range in color from pristine white to nearly black purple, with some of the most popular colors being the sunset and sherbet mixes of yellow, pink and orange.”
Northern California has two native rhododendron species. Rhododendron occidentale, the western azalea, makes a great garden plant and can be enjoyed from now through June at Stagecoach Hill Azalea Reserve north of Big Lagoon, Walsh said. (Note: All azaleas are rhododendron but not all rhododendrons are azaleas, she said.)
“Rhododendron macrophyllum, with its big pink flowers, is best seen in June in the Del Norte redwoods, but many people who have property with redwoods also have them growing in their gardens,” Walsh said.
When choosing a new rhododendron or azalea for the garden, she said, one should think about how big and wide the plant will be in 10 years.
“You don’t want it to cover your front windows or cover the walk to your front door,” Walsh said. “An important consideration is what does the plant look like when it is not in bloom? Rhododendrons are generally green bushes. Choose ones with interesting leaves and full, lush growth that will look as good in bloom as out of bloom. Many deciduous azaleas have lovely fall leaf color to add seasonal interest.”
Once established in the garden, Walsh said, the plants are very drought tolerant, needing only occasional summer water.
Rhododendron society
The Eureka Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is one of 50-plus chapters worldwide.
“The society’s goals are to encourage growing rhododendrons in private gardens and public gardens and parks, and understand and preserve native habitats around the world, including our own area,” Walsh said.
The Eureka Chapter usually holds meetings eight times a year, she said, bringing in speakers on topics ranging from rhododendron hunting in the wild to growing to scientific research projects, Walsh said. Right now, meetings are on hold because of the pandemic. For more information about the local rhododendron society, go to www.EurekaRhody.org.
