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Cottage Flowers with a Tropical Feel
Posted on June 8, 2011 by Sally Lee by the Sea in GardeningThough our beach cottage is located in the cool Pacific Northwest, these lavender flowers provide a tropical feel. The Washington state flower is the rhododendron (rhodie for short) and they grow into huge shrubs over their lifetime. We are blessed to have well over a dozen on our property in every shade of the rainbow. Though they have no scent, their visual beauty is stunning.
So many of our plants have been confused by this years weather; however these lavender rhodies exploded like never before. These flowers were just too gorgeous to not share with you; I hope you enjoy them…
According to 50States.com: In 1892, before they had the right to vote, Washington women selected the coast rhododendron as the state flower. They wanted an official flower to enter in a floral exhibit at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Six flowers were considered, but the final decision was narrowed to clover and the “rhodie,” and voting booths were set up for ladies throughout the state. When the ballots were counted, the rhododendron had been chosen as the Washington state flower.
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Aren’t rhodos just the loveliest sight after a grey and gloomy west coast spring? We have more than 20 at Pondside, from white through red to lavender, and they never disappoint!
thanks for sharing at Fishtail Cottage garden party, those are definately “show stopper” rhodies!!! xoox, tracie
Your rhodies are so gorgeous!! I miss having them. Where I live now, they don’t seem to like the climate :( Thank you for sharing yours!
*hugs*deb
These are so beautiful Marie! We have two huge purple rhodie’s that just bloomed and they look really pretty again the woods.
Have a wonderful day!
XO
Your moist air realy delivers these beauties!
Wow, those really do look tropical – rather like orchids.
That’s what I thought – orchids, definitely. Thanks for stopping by Rose :O)
Such a beautiful, bright color!
beautiful! enjoy your summer!
cheryl x
Beautiful flowers! If only I had a green thumb….
We miss the beautiful rhododendrons of our home state. They don’t grow well here in S.C.- much too hot! Five more years and we can retire to beautiful Washington state.
Yippy, Pam! I hope the time flies by quickly :O)
I love those flowers! They would look great in a vase as well!
They are beautiful! At my brother’s NC mountain home, there are “rhodies”…pale pink and the occasional deep pink. I’ve always loved them