I just purchased a new containerised Rhododendron named ‘Sappho’. The picture on the label is of white flowers with spotted purple centres. There are lots of buds, about 20, and they are looking lilac.  I thought of taking it back as that was not the colour I wanted.

Now the buds are opening I think it will be worth keeping and should fit in with my planting scheme.

Four Language Label

• The label has minimal information but what there is can be translated. A pictured sun and sun half blached out must mean suitable for sun or partial shade.
• A flower symbol V-VI implies it flowers late in May or June. Good that was what I was after and that seems to be how it is performing.
• A vertical arrow and 1.5m says it will grow 4-5 feet high and possibly wide.
• A complex symbol with a cross through it may signify no pruning
• Strangely it is named as an Azalea for decoration do not consume. Submerge pot in a bucket of water for 10 minutes then plant in the garden. Fair advice.
• The symbolic language may be classed as a fifth language since Esperanto never took off.

Research on Sappho

• Mauve buds open to lovely white flowers with a conspicuous dark purple, almost black, blotch.

• Avoid deep shade which can cause the plant to sprawl. Dark foliage, vigorous, upright, very open habit.
• The plant has an AGM I should have known before I bought.
• Sappho was an ancient Greek poet and lyricist born some time between 630 and 612 BC on Lesbos.
• Sappho has remained an important literary and cultural figure although most of her work has not survived.

The first bud to open!

Read
In Praise of Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons after Flowering
Early Rhododendrons

www.rhodogroup-rhs.org/ This society controls ‘The International Rhododendron Register and Checklist’ of the named 29,000 +varieties, cultivars and group names.