For as long as rhododendrons were available at local nurseries the 'catawbiense' hybrids have been the backbone of the trade. Plants with names like Roseum Elgens, Catawbiense Album, Catawbiense Boursault and Nova Zembla. In the last 5 years a new group of Finnish hybrids have become available across the Maritimes; they are rated with more hardiness (-35 C) then the first group. Plants with names like Haaga (pink), Hellikki (purple red), Peter Tigerstedt (white/red blotch), Mikkeli (white) and Elviira (dwarf, red). The only weakness I have identified with some of these selections is that they tend to begin growth very early in the spring and because of these can be frost-damaged. Also the new growth might obscure the flowers. Elviira is the only one that is quite cranky and I don't know if I'd recommend it. Anyone else have experience with these newcomers?

I've heard of them several times recently but not seen them. I went looking for pictures after reading your posting and found some at a Quebec web site at:

http://www.pepinierelemay.com/ang/catalogue/index.asp?scateg=1009

Wow! I want some of those! Does anyone know of a nursery in the Toronto area that carries them?

Hi Susan. Those Finnish Rhodos are gorgeous aren't they? I've located them at Humber Nurseries in Brampton. They have 7 varieties listed from $49.99-$69.99. Their web address is www.humbernurseries.on.ca Hope this helps. marg

Thanks Marg. I'll have to go to Brampton this spring... I thought Humber might be likely to have them but, when I did a web search on 'Finnish rhododendrons', they didn't show up, just the Quebec nursery and I'm feeling lazy today so I didn't investigate further....:)

Ladies: If you want more background plus pics go right to Finland via this link:

http://honeybee.helsinki.fi/users/avainola/rhodo/cultivars.htm

I purchased two (Hellikki & Mikkeli) last spring through Garden Import's mail order. Will see how they make it through the first winter here in Calgary. Garden Import's web address is gardenimport.com, don't believe their full catalogue is on line yet this year.

I have half a dozen of the new Finns, mostly young plants. All grow well in Ottawa, so far only ones to bloom are Elviira and Hellikki. Both have had a number of dead flower buds each year, in spite of recent mild winters. Perhaps sudden cold snaps in fall, or breaking dormancy too early in spring. Too soon to judge yet how reliable they are. Don't pay $50 for them - you can get nice healthy Canadian-grown plants at Loblaws for as little as $12 (other supermarkets and big box stores also.)

I agree with Chris that seems to be an awful lot of money to pay for a rhodo. I live in Edmonton, and they are widely available here. Really nice large plants for $25.00. I know that varieites of the Fins have been growing at the U of Alberta Botanic Garden for years(outside of Edmonton). Some are nealy 5 feet high and wide(Trust me that is quite an accomplishment here on the prairies) These ones are north west facing and are shaded by large pine trees to the south, and are planted near a bog(lots of acidid soil and water) I must say that the fins have faired much better than any other introduced variety here. For anyone near the U of A botanic gardens this year take a look.

PS. they are not the ones in the Japanese gardens, they are north of the Iris dell, and east accross the canal from the hardiness trials.

Cheers

I just wanted to say that I rec'd a catalog from Corn Hill Nursery (www.cornhillnursery.com)and they are able to mail order the following Finnish rhodos: Haaga, Hellikki, Helsinki University, Mikkelli, and Peter Tigerstedt. Prices 1-gal $20 2-gal $30 plus shipping and handling. They have excellent hardy roses for you people in Aberta, Manitoba, Sask.

Happy Gardening