Never buy rhododendrons labeled simply by color. Choose named selections that are proven to take Southern heat and humidity. A great mail-order source is RareFind Nursery, www.rarefindnursery.com. Here are some of Robert’s favorite selections.

• 'Anah Kruschke'--lavender-blue to reddish-purple
• ‘Anna Rose Whitney’--deep pink
• ‘Ben Moseley’--purplish-pink with a dark blotch
• ‘Blue Ensign’--lilac-blue with a dark blotch
• ‘Calsap’--lavender-white with a dark purple blotch
• ‘Caroline’--light pink
• ‘Cynthia’--rosy crimson, Robert’s top pick
• ‘English Roseum’--pink
• ‘Janet Blair’--pink and cream with a yellow blotch
• ‘Scintillation’--light pink with a yellow blotch
• ‘Wheatley’--rose pink

"Rx for Rhododendrons" is from the April 2008 issue of Southern Living.