Rhododendrons and Azaleas - A Colour Guide

Over one of my favorites in every way . A very high class publication with excellent information !

I would not recommend this book for several reasons. The author tries to cover too many groups of Rhododendrons from Tsutsusi to Elepidotes, etc. This approach alone makes the book impractical. The book would be much better suited if it were divided into separate volumes. For example book one might cover Elepidotes, book two could cover Lepidotes and book three Tsutsusi etc. In other words, the genus Rhododendron is much too vast to be covered by this superficial guide.The other big problem is that less than 1/2 of the described varieties are accompanied by photos. Many of these photos are not of optimum quality and lack the necessary detail for identification of an unknown cultivar. Many cultivated Rhododendron varieties are very similar in appearance. It is paramount to see the markings in the upper lobe of the corolla or limb (individual flower). These markings (maculation) are spots or sometimes bands of different colors. This feature alone will often separate similar cultivars from one another.There are about 28,000 cultivated Rhododendrons and about 1,200 known species. This makes a single book on this subject rather impracticable. This is especially the case for the more serious enthusiastSo unless you just like pretty photos, this book will not aid your detailed study of Rhododendrons. By the way, all Azaleas are Rhododendrons but not all Rhododendrons are Azaleas.

Beautiful color and many varieties illustrated individually with photos. Obviously British from the garden photographs and some spellings. First section of the book on rhododendron types, culture, and diseases (with photos) is excellent. Not highly technical and obviously could not cover the thousands of varieties available. However, our garden club purchased this book to donate to the local library in memory of a recently deceased member. It certainly is a suitable memorial.

High quality and very informative.

Very nice book. Very educational and nice pictures.

An indispensable handbook for rhododendron buyers and growers! Brings up to date Harold Greer's rhododendron bible that is still useful but does not deal with many of the new species and hybrids. Funny and frank and filled with useful advice! If you had to buy one book on rhododendrons (and azaleas) this would be your best choice.

Nice book on rhododendrons and azaleas and well written.TWCL

A book on Rhododendrons and Azaleas describes in detail the plants including many of the newer hybrids. Concise descriptions with color photos enhance the pages. The author also lets the reader know specifically what he thinks. For example, this plant might belong in the "rubbish heap."

Es ist ein ganz tolles uebersichtliches Buch ! Die Fotos sind sehr autentisch, was sehr wichtig ist für die Identifikation der Pflanzen.

On ne présente plus les Cox pour les passionnés de rhododendrons et azalées: cette famille de pépiniériste a fait progresser leur connaissance et leur usage dans nos jardins. Un livre très clair et didactique, par un pépiniériste passionné, avec de belles photos.

This copiously illustrated book is a riot of colour with hundreds of pictures. The origin, descriptions and hardiness of the different species and hybrids are given. It is not a book for average gardeners. This book will be found on the library shelf of many nurseries, garden centres, and head gardeners responsible for collections. In my opinion the term 'guide' is misleading, it is more of a grower's or enthusiast's encyclopaedia and possibly currently one of the best available.The first 30 or so pages are devoted to history and cultural information. The text in this section is mainly close typed with very limited paragraph breaks making it difficult to read. This is a hardbound book, well illustrated but printed in smallish type. The illustrated plant listings are compiled in three columns per page. Due to photography or printing the illustrations of red flowers can sometimes lack distinct detail, in this respect the book suffers slightly but is no worse than many others.Where pictures accompany the listings they are approximately 100mm x 100mm and which can make it difficult to judge the scale of the plant and the flower size unless you are familiar with the species and its hybrids. The author is based in Scotland and many illustrations originate from Glendoick where the family nursery is located.

How many times have you been around the nurseries and Garden Centres and seen the same old azaleas and rhododendrons on offer and succumbed by colour and lack of choice you make a purchase? Stop right there. Get this book. It is absolutely fantastic and takes you on a fabulous, historical and colourful journey into the world or rhodos and azaleas; garden centre stock will never be the same again.Use in conjunction with the Plant Finder to find your nearest stockist, but do take note of the frost hardiness zones! I bought this as an early Christmas present for my Mum, needless to say I shall have to find something else; the copy is now well thumbed as I've been burning the midnight oil, totally enamoured, and I've only had it a few days. It's worth every penny and many congratulations to Kenneth Cox, its' a stunning book. Only trouble is, I've got a shortlist of a 150 rhodos and azaleas and only an acre of garden......

This is a great book. It's divided into two sections; 25 pages are dedicated to the history and cultivation of rhododendrons and azaleas and the following 200 pages form an encyclopaedia of plant species which is excellent in helping you decide what plants are best for your local soil and geography.Only downside that I can see (or not in my case) is the text is very small. No problem if your eye sight is ok but I was left reaching for some glasses. Other than that minor complaint this is an excellent book.