The Wonderful World of Rhododendrons and Azaleas

The astounding beauty and diversity of rhododendrons available to us presents countless opportunities to enhance our gardens. With more than 1,000 species and countless hybrids, they collectively possess showy flowers in a kaleidoscopic range of colors, offer fragrance in many cases, and often present strikingly beautiful foliage. Tom Clark will take a broad look at this diverse genus touching on a bit of botany, conservation concerns, cultivation, and care. He will also discuss the merits, characteristics, and uses of a broad range of rhododendrons and azaleas well-adapted to our climate and growing conditions.

Tom Clark is the director and curator of the Mount Holyoke College Botanic Garden in South Hadley, MA, and previously curated living collections at the Polly Hill Arboretum.

Please note: This talk takes place at the Wakeman Center in Vineyard Haven.