Not with this one!

Rhododendrons are so commonly grown here in the Pacific Northwest that sometimes we take a ho-hum attitude — if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. However, Rhododendron orbiculare comes along with its untypical rhododendron foliage that its epithet, orbiculare, describes its rounded leaves. In spring, the leaves take a back seat to trusses carrying the hanging, bell-shaped, pink flowers that profusely cover the shrub. The flaking bark is a shade of pale brown.

Rhododendron orbiculare

ROUND-LEAF RHODODENDRON
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: ro-do-DEN-dron or-bik-ew-LAH-ree

For more information, see this unique species in the Rainy Side Gardeners plant and gallery guide.