Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay is adding a new rhododendron to its plant collection. The new cultivar, 'Margaret S. Coe', is named for the daughter-in-law of William Robertson Coe, the insurance magnate and former owner of Planting Fields. The certificate of International Registration just came in from the Royal Horticultural Society in the U.K.
Local rhodie expert Richard Murcott of East Norwich developed the cultivar, which sports large mid-range pink flowers with white highlights and fainted yellow centers.
At Planting Fields, William Robertson Coe was actively involved with developing and improving the collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, and hibiscus. He had a penchant for new plant varieties and modern growing techniques, and collected rhododendrons. During the estate era, thousands of large specimens were imported from all over the world. There still are more than 1,000 different types of azaleas and rhododendrons at Planting Fields.
'Margaret S. Coe' will be planted in the North Rhododendron Park on the east side of Coe Hall next fall, alongside other rhododendrons named for Coe family members.
The collection is a reflection of the New York Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society's hybridization endeavors. Plants are selected for their color, form and suitability for Long Island.
Want more? The New York Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society will host a rhododendron show and sale in the Conference Center of Planting Fields on Sunday, May 25, open to the public from 1:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission to the show is free but there is a $6 parking fee. Cut specimens in full bloom will be displayed by class and category to illustrate the numerous mid-season varieties of rhododendrons that can be grown on Long Island.
For information, visit plantingfields.org or nyrhododendron.org.
Comments (1)
Sounds like an outstanding color!