'Scintillation' is one of the most beautiful rhododendrons, and one of the few hardy ones that people out west consider worth growing. I'm glad that 'Scintillation' is hardy enough to grow on the east side of my house, where the soil probably does not freeze. I'm not sure if it is hardy enough to grow and flower in the open, without getting foliage burn in the winter.

There are two other forms of 'Scintillation,' and one is called 'URI Scintillation.' This is the University of Rhode Island form. There is also a Mehlquist form, and I believe that it is called 'Gem Gardens Scintillation' or 'Scintilllation Gem'. A friend of mine can't grow the 'Scintillation' I have here (in open exposure), but he has good luck with the Mehlquist form. 'Janet Blair' seems to be hardier, and is very similar. This plant was purchased in Summer 1998, at Frank's Nursery and Crafts.

Parentage: unknown

Hybridizer: Charles Owen Dexter, ca. 1925-1942.

Introduced: 1957?

Registered: Paul Vossberg, 1973.

Award of Excellence, ARS, 1973.

Superior Plant Award, ARS, 1991.