Vibrant Rhododendron

All year I look forward to that special week in May when the rhododendron bloom around my house, and color my garden shades of pale pink, magenta, lavender and deep purple. Somehow these hearty evergreens survive the bitter cold and snowy winters, and then announce loud and clear in May that they do love the Pennsylvania climate. Oh, if only those delicate blooms could last longer than they do.

The rhododendron have bloomed two weeks early this year around my house.

Here is a closer view of the blooms.

One bouquet of rhododendron, partly opened.

While these rhododendron are blooming in my garden, I recall seeing lush rhododendron in Ireland, also in May. Who knew?