In Bloom: 2010-05-10 Out of Bloom: 2010-07-15 Growth Type: Woody Shrub Hardiness Zones: 2 - 9 Location at Monticello: East Lawn and Various Locations Planting Conditions: Full Sun and Partial Shade

Rosebay Rhododendron Rhododendron maximum (Click image to enlarge)

Among the hundreds of plants that Jefferson observed or cultivated at Monticello were over forty shrubs. These included the North American natives Rhododendron maximum, which he referred to as "Rosebay," and Rhododendron periclymeniodes, Pinxter azalea (also known as Pinxterbloom), which he called "Wild honeysuckle." In addition to these, Jefferson grew a related species, Kalmia latifolia, an example of which now grows nestled next to a Rosebay Rhododendron in a bed near the southeast corner of the main house. Visit Monticello's Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Rosebay Rhododendron. Close Window © Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.