These are photos of our two large rhododendron bushes in our back yard. I think they really need to be pruned but I need to call someone over to show me how to do that without killing them off!
Coast Rhododendron
Rhododendron macrophyllum
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.
For more Mosaics please visit Mary at Little Red House.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Love how you featured that mosaic – those rhodie are so pretty!
Very beautiful! We’ll be in NC soon and I’m looking forward to seeing them there! ♥
Hello, your rhododendrons are beautiful. I love the color. Beautiful mosaic!
I especially like the rhododendrons because they are shade plants. Their blooms are a lovely shade of purple and they look so pretty in the garden.
Your mosaic is beautiful, I just love rhododendrons, so pretty! Yours are such a beautiful color.
Beautiful! The one by our house has already bloomed… I have never had a rhodie before and have been wondering if they bloom repeatedly.
Great historical tidbit – enjoyed it.
I was just mourning the passing of our rhodie, and here are your beautiful flowers! Thanks for sharing, Ellen!
Lovely mosaic and I didn’t know the rhodie was the state flower of Washington. Learn something new everyday. Enjoyed the story.
I just looked a little more closely…and I think you’re one of the Mennonite Girls can cook! I can’t wait to order your new cookbook! Everyone LOVES it! Hugs! ♥
Oh how absolutely gorgeous! The color is just wonderful! Lucky you!
Yours are beautiful. Do they have more staying power than azaleas? There’s an orange colored one in our neighborhood that I just love to see each spring. It grows up against a brown bungalow and is truly striking.
Gorgeous shrub. V
What an interesting post! I so wish I could grow beautiful rhodies here but the PJM is one of the only varieties that are reliable bloomers here in Wisconsin. Glorious photos!
I wish I could grow rhodo as big as yours. It is beautiful and I love the colour. Great photos.
I love the mosaic. The photo on top of a photo is a delightful technique! Is that a special program?
I love rhododendrums, I know, spelled incorrectly. However, they are lovely! Do they have a fragrance?
Happy Monday!
beautiful mosaic and the rhododendrums are very lovely in your back yard.
Nice blooms…and nice story of how they became your official state flower!
Just love the flowers. I especially like the way you did the collage with the large print in the back. WOW!
This is so lovely. I am hosting a photobook giveaway on my blog. Would love for you to stop by.