I'm totally mystified by the connection between rhododendron maximum and "massive mountainside burns in NC" - whatever they may be - but nursery propagated r. maxmums are available from many nurseries, including Rarefind in NJ.

3 different sellers have explained the process to me, and it is their reason as to why they usually don't have rhody max in the fall. They do the burns in early spring, dig them up, and ship them to nj a week later.

Glad to hear there are propagated versions. I wish Rarefind was closer, I'm up in Kinnelon.

Would gladly come dig up some rhody max from anyone whose got too much....

If not, I'll be buying in spring.

Thanks!

You live much closer to Rarefind Nursery than you do to me.

"I'm totally mystified"
LOL, you're not the only one. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled next spring for the annual display of charred-out Rhododendron stumps at area nurseries. Sounds like a great nurseryman's tall tale. I'm literally almost ROFL.