Redneck Rhododendron
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Did you know that fall is the best time of the year for planting shrubs and trees? Yes sir, it is. Even though temperatures will soon be dropping, the underground temperatures remain warmer for quite some time giving newly planted shrubs and trees time to establish roots while not having to worry about growing leaves or battling hot temperatures. Then when spring rolls around the roots are strong and ready to start growing above ground. So take a look around your yard for spots where you’d like to add a little something, something and get digging.
My husband, Randy, is here today to share with you a shrub we found a few years ago that we’ve taken quite a liking to. As always, please share your favorites with us too. We like plants, and always enjoy learning and discovering new things.
Take it away Randy…
Check out our Redneck Rhododendron, also known as False Daphne, or its Latin name, Daphniphyllum macropodum. It’s by far my favorite plant right now in the yard. I have to think it earned it’s common name from the red stems on new growth, and not from a Jeff Foxworthy routine.
We bought it at a Clemson University/SC Botanical Garden semi-annual plant sale about 3 years ago. It was the only one there, so we snagged it. We’ve been back every year looking for more, but no luck. Finally, I asked a nice plant professor there a couple weeks ago where they were hiding the Redneck Rhododendron. He said they haven’t had any in years. He said they’d brought in a couple specimens to experiment with and only sold one. Lucky me. We are looking to purchase more so ours can have mates for us to enjoy both the male and female species. A quick search online will give you a few options if you’re interested too.
The Redneck Rhododendron is not very showy, just good solid evergreen foliage. It reminds me of the wild rhododendron that grow in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rhododendron catawbiense. I think it has a woody, mountainy look, but it’s funny, I read somewhere online that it looks good in tropical-themed gardens. That’s what I call versatile.
Ours has been low-maintenance, hardy, and fast-growing. We have it on a southeast-facing wall. It likes part-shade to shade with well-drained soil. Growth can be upwards to 15′ tall and 8′ wide, and it’s supposed to be hardy in zones 7 and 8, and possibly in zone 6, if sheltered.
Another tidbit the professor shared with me is that there are only about 50 different plant species typically used in landscape gardens, but often a homeowner’s best choices are beyond those 50 common landscape plants. So keep yours eyes peeled for unique and good options for your planting zone. And if you find any Redneck Rhododendron, give me a holler.
Happy gardening!
That is a gorgeous plant! You are so smart. 🙂
What a gorgeous plant and how cool that you snagged one!!
This is inspiring me to get out and do some planting! We lost a few things with the drought this summer. Thank you!
This is one of my favorite shrubs, it always reminds me of growing up in the mountains. Part of the reason the landscape in Ireland felt so much like home when we were there was due to the rhododendrons. From what a local told me they’re not as fond of them as we are. The rhododendron is growing like wild over there. Love this! 🙂
Yup, I planted lots of tulip bulbs today 🙂 Got them in Amsterdam last week.
This is inspiring. I’m not the most green thumb in the world. My mom would be so proud of me of I took this advice!
Nice job Randy! Looks like that Rhododendron was quite a score!
I remember the first time I saw rhododendron in the mountains when I was around 18. I thought it was a huge azalea plant and said so out loud. Some kind elderly person corrected me as she hiked on by us. I’ve never seen the redneck version. Pretty.
My favorite shrub is a sweet olive. The fragrance in spring and fall take me back to the days of riding the bus through the historic section of town and getting a whiff of that awesomeness. I remember pulling my window down (remember how hard those things were to raise and lower?) and inhaling deeply until I couldn’t smell it anymore. I never knew what it was. The first house my husband and I bought had a huge sweet olive in the yard! We now have two at this house that were here when we moved here. The Lord must know how much I love that plant!
Rhodies are one of my favorite plants. We have a huge one (I think 3 plants combined) in our front yard. 🙂
Yay! A Randy guest post, how fun. I did NOT know this and in fact I just planted some things and crossed my fingers. I’m thrilled to know that I made a good move.