Our rhododendron propagation team has successfully rooted several stem cuttings taken from R. ‘County of York’ in the arboretum last September. The stem cuttings were placed in a rooting box, cared for in our propagation greenhouse and potted by our volunteer team in February. The cuttings developed a significant root ball and are expected to mature nicely.
‘County of York’ is a large-leaf rhododendron that has existed in Laurelwood Arboretum since at least 1964. It was highlighted by Dorothy Knippenberg during her slide program presented February 19, 1964 to members of the New York Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society at Schrafft’s Restaurant in New York City.
‘County of York’ was hybridized in 1932 by Joseph B. Gable at his home in Stewartstown, located on the Maryland border in York County, Pennsylvania. He did not pamper his rhododendrons. He planted thousands of seedlings in the woods and let the plants fend for themselves until he was ready to evaluate them, many years later. Although the Gable Study Group identified approximately 100 named rhododendron hybrids, another 100 rhododendron species Gable tried, and at least 90
different group crosses, his rhododendrons are still relatively scarce in the trade. The Gable rhododendrons are real survivors though, and many have proven to be among the most reliable rhododendron hybrids for our region.
Fortunately, our ‘County of York’ rhododendron still grows on the hillside at the northern end of Dorothy’s Way. It is set back from the footpath and is hidden by other plants and not visible to visitors of the park. However, our rhododendron team hopes to change that in the future. Our newly rooted plants will be raised in the greenhouse and our temporary nursery until they are ready to produce their first flowers, after which they will be planted in the arboretum. We plan to select planting locations where visitors will be able to enjoy seeing its large creamy white flowers.
