Rhododendron 'Phyllis Korn'
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RHODODENDRON
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: ro-do-DEN-dron
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: not listed.
USDA zones: 6-9.
Heat zones: 9-6
Mature size:
Height: 5 feet (152 cm) in ten years.
Width: 5 feet (152 cm).
Flowering period:
April to May.
Flowering attributes:
The flowers, white, funnel-shaped with wavy lobes, are held in trusses with up to 12 flowers in each one. The dorsal blotch starts out as a rusty-red hue. As the flower fades, it turns to a greenish-yellow.
Leaf attributes:
Five-inch long, glossy, evergreen leaves.
Growth habit:
Upright.
Light:
Full sun to part shade.
Soil:
Humus rich, well-drained, acidic soil.
Pruning Methods:
Lightly prune for symmetry after the shrub has finished flowering; rarely needs pruning.
Rainy Side Notes
When we moved into our home, the first thing we did was pull this shrub out away from the window it was about to engulf. We replanted it in a raised bed where it could grow to its full potential. I pruned away lower branches so you could see its shaggy bark trunk, making it look like a small tree. I wanted to utilize the shade underneath for ferns and other shade loving plants.
I have seen Rhododendron ‘Phyllis Korn’ described as having creamy-yellow petals; however, those that describe it show photos with creamy-white to white petals. I would say it’s nowhere near the color yellow; either that or my view of the color is skewed. I believe the aged blotch contributes to the color confusion when viewed at a distance. Closer inspection reveals that the petals are white.
The dorsal blotch is a rusty-red hue when the buds first open, then fades to a greenish-yellow as the flower ages. A prolific bloomer, the shrub smothers itself in blossoms from late April to May.
Registered in 1981, ‘Phyllis Korn’ has R. catawbiense in its parentage and is a Robert Korn cross.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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