Tag Archives: Rhododendron macrophyllum

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Pacific Rhododendrons, also called California Rhododendrons, Rhododendron macrophyllum, often begin blooming in May. Their delicate blooms extend into the first part of June, and you can see them now, along with the native Azaleas. Laura Baker was at Mill Bend overlooking the Gualala River when she spotted this beautiful sight.

Mill Bend is the latest acquisition by our fabulous land conservancy, the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy. You can read more about Mill Bend and RCLC's other public access spots at this link: https://www.rclc.org/

Thanks to Laura for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

It's warm here today with very little wind. Clouds are beginning to appear as changes seem to be afoot in the weather department. Rain is predicted for the weekend, and wouldn't that be a blessing!

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Right on time, the first blooming Pacific Rhododendrons have been seen. Catherine Miller photographed one over the past weekend.

We call them wild Rhodies. They are native from southern British Columbia to Northern California. Their scientific  name is Rhododendron macrophyllum, which literally means, “Rose tree with big leaves.” Here's a closeup of a blossom Catherine took in a prior year.

Thanks to Catherine for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

Another sunny, warm, breezy day in Anchor Bay. I see fog over the ocean so perhaps it is foggy to our north. Lots of micro climates here on the Mendonoma Coast!

The wild rhodies are blooming because Spring doesn't know.

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Pacific Rhododendrons, Rhododendron macrophyllum,  are blooming in profusion now on the Coast. Driving along Highway One by Salt Point State Park, you can see them right along the road. Another spot close by to see them is Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve. There is a beautiful hiking trail there. This bush is just off our driveway in Anchor Bay.

This native wildflower grows in acidic soil. Their appearance speaks of springtime.

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A splash of pink caught my eye as Rick and I drove down Highway One along Salt Point State Park. It's always exciting to see the first Wild Rhododendrons begin to bloom. Pacific Coast Rhododendron, Rhododendron macrophyllum, is their proper name. We have some bushes on our property in Anchor Bay and consider ourselves fortunate.

Wild Rhodies are found from British Columbia down to Monterey County in California. They are the state flower of Washington State. May is when they bloom so they are right on time this year.