Product Description

For the enthusiastic amateur or experienced rhododendron grower, this landmark reference provides the keys to the accurate identification of the nearly 300 rhododendron species widely in cultivation. Beautiful photographs include close-up shots of flower and leaf, microscope images of leaf surfaces, and easy-to-use diagnostic keys, making this a milestone in the identification of rhododendrons.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #427645 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-02
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .3 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 496 pages

From Booklist
Cullen writes that the aim of this book is to provide an accurate means of identification for those species of the genus Rhododendron that are cultivated in Britain, western Europe, and parts of North America. He points out that this is not a manual for the identification of the more than 30,000 hybrids and cultivars. Cullen does identify 295 species listed in systematic order so that similar species occur close to each other in the text. Each entry includes a description of its leaves, buds, and stamens, and the time of year the plant produces flowers. The book, written in association with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, has 176 color photographs, an introduction to classification and identification, and a bibliography. Gardeners who delight in these comely flowers will find the book most informative. George Cohen
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Review
Gardeners who delight in these comely flowers will find the book most informative. -- George Cohen Booklist 20050801 This is a top-notch handbook with glorious photographs from the Edinburgh garden, a comprehensive bibliography, and taxa index, written by a man who loves botany and knows the rhododendron very, very well. -- Christine Anne Sharkey Biology Digest 20060301 For the average enthusiast, this is a very useful manual; its value is in its clear organization and the logical presentation of data. It is a modern, botanically based identification guide that will be widely understood and consulted often. -- Douglas Justice American Rhododendron Society Journal 20060401 This authoritative reference offers keys to identifying 295 species in cultivation. -- Shannon Hendrickson SciTech Book News 20060701 The detailed text, clear uncluttered layout and sharp colour photographs throughout will make this an indispensable and practical reference book. Plant Network 20051201

About the Author
Dr. James Cullen is Director of the Stanley Smith (U.K.) Horticultural Trust based in Cambridge. He served as Assistant Regius Keeper at RBG Edinburgh from 1972 to 1989, where he was responsible for research on Rhododendron classification based on both the dried and living collections. From 1976 to 2000 he was editor of The European Garden Flora (Cambridge University Press). He is the author of numerous scientific papers and contributions to flora, and holds an RHS Gold Veitch Memorial Medal.