Anah Kruschke is not very hardy for Southeast Michigan. Its flowers open up wide and flat, and the purple color is okay, but 'Tapestry' is a lot better, and probably a lot hardier. Anah's leaves always burn a little each winter, and sometimes the flowers get blasted, even though it's growing in one of the best spots in my garden. The dryer vent, however, might not be helping it, either. Summer growth is great, but winter always leaves it looking not so good. This plant was purchased at Kmart, Spring 1995.

UPDATE May, 2001: This plant was lousy this spring, as usual. Now that I gave away my worst rhododendron, 'Trilby', 'Anah Kruschke' is my worst one. My sister has promised me that someone at work will take it off my hands. I can't wait!

Parentage: 'Purple Splendour' x ponticum (This is not certain.)

Hybridizer: F. Kruschke

Introduced: A. Wright, Sr., 1955

Registered: T. Van Veen, 1973