Rhododendron 'Argosy'
Common name: 
Argosy Rhododendron
Pronunciation: 
rho-do-DEN-dron
Family: 
Ericaceae
Genus: 
Rhododendron (defines evaluations)
Synonyms: 
R. fortunei subsp. discolor × R. auriculatum
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree, may reach 6 ft tall in 10 years, reportedly can become tree-like, open habit with horizontal branches.  Leaves alternate, simple, elliptic, matte green, waxy glabrous with green petioles stained faintly crimson.   Flower openly funnel-shaped, 10 cm across, white faintly flushed pink, may have crimson rays at tube base, slightly sweet scented, 6-8 flowers per cluster.
  • -5°F, very late (July-August), 3/3/3.  [flower / plant & foliage / performance; scale 1 (poor) - 5 (best)]    Best if in shade to protect the flowers from summer sun.
  • This hybrid was developed by Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942); it was introduced in 1933.  It is from a cross of R. fortunei subsp. discolor (seed parent) and R. auriculatum (pollen parent), it resembles R. auriculatum in several characteristics.
  • Note: There is also an azalea named 'Argosy' and since azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron its "scientific name" is also Rhododendron 'Argosy'.  This azalea is a Glenn Dale hybrid (USDA), it is evergreen with deep pink blooms.
  • Oregon State Univ. campus: NE corner of the Women's Building.
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit, before flowering in July

    plant habit, before flowering in July

  • leaves and flower buds

    leaves and flower buds

  • plant habit, flowering in August

    plant habit, flowering in August

  • leaves and flower clusters

    leaves and flower clusters

  • flower cluster

    flower cluster

  • flowers

    flowers

  • flower

    flower

  • leaf

    leaf

  • leaf base

    leaf base