Description
Description: This variety was introduced by David Leach in l958, its background going back to the Dexter Estate of Sandwich, Mass. It appears to be one of the few varieties with Dexter parentage that is going to be hardy in our New England climate. (Even though Sandwich, Mass. is in New England, it has a rather mild isolated condition on Cape Cod.) ‘Janet Blair’ has a very nice plant habit with shiny oval leaves and very pale, pinkish-mauve flowers. The flower is frilled and there is a golden bronze effect on the upper lobes. Once this plant becomes better known, I’m sure it’s going to be a popular one. We received our original plants under the name ‘John Wister’ and sold it using that name for several years until a letter from Mr. Leach advised us of its true identity. By any name, however, it is one of the best rhododendrons we are growing at this time.
