Rhododendron ‘Independence’

While the late June/early July bloom time suggests this variety could be a selection of Rosebay Rhododendron (R. maximum), there are some reasons for doubting… ‘Independence’ was not found in the wild – instead  it originated as a chance seedling at Kelsey Highland Nursery in Boxford, Massachusetts.  It could easily be a hybrid with a second, unknown species. Moreover, the pink flower color, while not unknown in the species, is rare and suggests hybridization with a pink flowered species such as Catawba Rhododendron or a plethora of other Rhododendron varieties. The relatively small leaf size also suggests a hybrid origin. Whatever its parentage, ‘Independence’ is valued for its ability to flower in the shady woodland understory, and unusual bloom period.