A white edged rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum ‘Silver Edge’, below) is the most vigorous of several rhododendron varieties in the garden. While one shaded beneath a wide spreading ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple in the front has grown acceptably to six feet, the second just below the kitchen window has grown a few feet taller and considerably wider.

While there will be an occasional out-of-season rhododendron flower in autumn, the garden’s rhodos are worthy of mention in early September only because flower buds for spring have been recently formed. Today, the quantity of spring blooms is evident assuming there is not a catastrophic winter freeze.

As ‘Silver Edge’ rises in stature, I am now warned repeatedly that it must not obscure the view from the kitchen. Fortunately, the adjacent sunroom has become the viewing point of choice. From this vantage, the rhododendron is off to the side and not at all a problem, but if ‘Silver Edge’ is determined to grow much taller, I will be forced to prune select branches. To the plus side, this pruning will encourage a denser form rather than its current sprawl.

Rhododendrons can be a problematic choice for wet, warm summer gardens in clay soils. Superb drainage is a must, but even long-established rhododendrons can be lost by the application of a few inches of fresh mulch. But, it seems that ‘Silver Edge’ and a few others are quite tolerant of these conditions. Here, they thrive on neglect.

As repeat blooming Encore azaleas begin their autumn cycle (below), I see countless buds that promise heavy flowering. Numerous buds on ‘Silver Edge’ are encouraging that spring flowering will be equally glorious.