Rhododendron 'Argosy'             (R. fortunei subsp. discolor × R. auriculatum)

• Broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree, may reach 6 ft tall in 10 years, reportedly can become tree-like, open habit with horizontal branches.  Leaves alternate, simple, elliptic, matte green, waxy glabrous with green petioles stained faintly crimson.   Flower openly funnel-shaped, 10 cm across, white faintly flushed pink, may have crimson rays at tube base, slightly sweet scented, 6-8 flowers per cluster.
• -5°F, very late (July-August), 3/3/3.  [flower / plant & foliage / performance; scale 1 (poor) - 5 (best)]    Best if in shade to protect the flowers from summer sun.
• This hybrid was developed by Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942); it was introduced in 1933.  It is from a cross of R. fortunei subsp. discolor (seed parent) and R. auriculatum (pollen parent), it resembles R. auriculatum in several characteristics.
• Note: There is also an azalea named 'Argosy' and since azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron its "scientific name" is also Rhododendron 'Argosy'.  This azalea is a Glenn Dale hybrid (USDA), it is evergreen with deep pink blooms.
• Oregon State Univ. campus: NE corner of the Women's Building.