Thanks David. I figured it may be less saturated than what the photos show. A wine color sounds nice. If you have a chance to post photos that would be great.

I know our climates are very different, but how much shade does yours seem to like? Thank you!

This is my Polarnacht, grown by Briggs:

Not as dark as in some pictures, but I'm picky about colors and I approve of this one. ;-) I think the very dark looking pictures are taken in chilly maritime climates at high latitudes, where the spring sunshine, if it occurs, feels about as strong as a 45 watt light bulb! I'm keeping a 'Sefton' in the garden for variety's sake but also to say, 'this is an example of a bad rhodo color' LOL. To me all of the ugly examples of elepidote truss colors are in some way like mauve or dark magenta, the better colors of this type are more like burgundy, or the color of raspberries. It's hard to explain in words but there's no ambiguity when one sees the plants in person. Something about the bad ones is dirty or dingy, as though a few drops of gray latex paint was poured into a glass of rosé. 'Polarnacht' in my garden is similar to the original 'Old Port'. (Most 'Old Port' in the PNW are a mix-up, incorrect clone that is more purplish, Kathy Van Veen was trying to clear up the situation before she died.)

It gets shade only from about 10-3; I'm slowly finding that many (but not all) rhodies are not as bothered by exposure here because it's so consistently humid in summer, even by east coast standards. It seems most of the rhodies at Sonoma, for example, are in more shade than mine, and it obviously wasn't affecting their blooming. When it's hot there, as you know, it's a blistering dry heat.

And, final comment, the more rhodies I see in gardens the most I'm convinced current photographic technology just cannot capture all of the nuances the eye can see in person. If you visit Sonoma keep your eyes peeled for Leo X Jutland...one of the most stunning red flowers I've seen in my time on planet Earth, of any genus! Hope the cultivar isn't lost.

EDIT: appears various people in the PNW might have it, so probably not. It has won a couple truss shows, which is not surprising!

David thank you so much! Your photo of Polarnacht is great.

You described the “bad” colors perfectly, gray latex paint drops combined with a glass of rose, a strange mix of dingy and bright at the same time.

I’m excited about your description of Polarnacht. I also like it’s growth habit of twice as wide as it is high. Perfect for areas where I don’t want to create a wall, but more of an ocean of blooms flowing through the yard. Here, like Sonoma, I believe more shade will be better, so mine will be in shade from about 10-3 like yours and dappled shade/sun the rest of the time.

A local nursery had several healthy, large Polarnachts available. Your info sealed the deal and I am coming home today with 6. They will be in an area where there are large redwoods nearby in the background, so large drifts tend to look better to compete with the sheer massive size.

Your info was so helpful. I will definitely keep an eye out for Leo X Jutland in Sonoma, as I love red.

:-) It’s looking good so far. :-)

It’s a hard color to capture. I think this is most accurate so far in my yard...

its a little darker and richer in person than the two photos below show.

Couldn’t resist cutting it. Rhodies make such long lasting cut flowers. Polarnacht, Elsie Frye, Crater Lake, Pacific Coast irises and freesias. :-)

Two pics of my Polarnacht. It's never been a heavy bloomer for me. I moved it last year so maybe it perks up.

Gorgeous. Its blooming nicely here, but it’s new so we will see how it does next year. It is quickly becoming a favorite. I love the deep, dark color with the contrasting white stamens.