These Rhododendron barbatum beaconed from the boardwalk. Douglas Justice told me that they are unusual in not having so many of the barbs for which they're named, yet they key out to be this species. Nearby, Rhododendrum arboreum var. roseum have nice enough flowers, but are more exciting for their leaves with nice bronze indumentum. Rhododendrum lutescens is fully in bloom.
We were very taken with this Rhododendron calophyllum, as were the bees. I hope we figure out how to post Shirley Willard's bee videos.
