It is making me happy to walk out and see these things blooming but I worry about the global warming that is so well documented and then ignored. I have mentioned in my blog about the Jasminium nudiflorum, Viburnum farrari nanum, and, most surprisingly, the Lonicera fragrantissima that bloomed last year in March. My Hamamelis opened in late Jan. last year, looking really good by Feb., and the first are opening now. I do recall that, the first year I was here, in Jan 65, it was 72F on New Years day. The next Winter was brutal. It keeps gardening interesting.

Picked a truss from a rhododendron blooming in snow at a nearby church (growing out over parking space, so it could use a little size reduction anyway). Not sure what it is, pale red with indumented or otherwise brownish leaf undersides. Same location has one or two of the winter-blooming 'Nobleanum' cultivars also.

Walked by a 'Rosamundi' in flower on the way home.

Here is a link that might be useful: Google Pictures of 'Rosamundi'

The one I picked was a 'Nobleanum'.

"One of the first man made hybrids. Flowers are rich rose with a flush of white inside. Foliage is dark green with tan indumentum."

--Harold Greer, Greer's Guidebook to Available Rhododendrons

Harold also lists and describes 'Nobleanum Album', 'Nobleanum Coccineum', and 'Nobleanum Venustum'. I think I have seen a couple of these others at the church also, the 'Nobleanum Coccineum' and probably the 'Nobleanum Venustum'. I did not notice flowers on these today.

Greer rates 'Nobleanum' hardy to -10F.

Here is a link that might be useful: Google Pictures