Living on the Edge
If you've ever taken a walk on the Delaware & Lehigh Trail in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos, you've probably seen the slate cliffs covered with wild Rhododendrons - Rhododendron Carolinianum and Rhododendron Catawbiense. These evergreens, which are found in growing wild in the mountainous areas of the Mid-Atlantic states including eastern Pennsylvania, do exceptionally well in Mid-Atlantic gardens. Rhododendron Carolinianum plant is a perfect choice for areas where you need broadleaf foliage and a low-growing form. It can be used for a low border shrub or for massing where its display of spring flowers will add interest. It can also be used as a fill-in planting in front of other larger broadleaf shrubs. Periodic pruning will keep the plant 3 to 5 feet tall and equally wide. It tends to be round and open, with upright spreading branches. The foliage is not too dense, 2 to 3 inches long, and about 1 inch wide. Summer color is dark green, and winter color varies from gree