FORT BRAGG, CA., 1/7/25 — It’s rhododendron planting time! With winter rains, planting rhodies is the best time to give the plants a terrific start. The Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is hosting its annual winter (formerly fall because of rain cancellations) rhododendron sale Jan. 11.
With almost 500 plants for sale, this year there are over 110 rhododendron varieties to select from (both hybrid and species) as well as 22 deciduous and evergreen varieties of azaleas. Scented and unscented, small and large in myriad colors, rhododendrons flourish on the Mendocino coast, and you don’t have to wait until spring for blooms. Varieties bloom every month of the year, so choosing several plants for different parts of your yard assures constant or near-constant bloom.
Society members will be on hand to give planting tips (never plant a rhodie too deep) and help you choose for the effect you want. They can also help with azaleas; some of the deciduous varieties can grow quite large and are excellent landscape plants (and many are scented!).
The sale is Sat., Jan. 11, 300 South Main St., Ft. Bragg. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., cash or checks only.