Rhododendron occidentale ( Mrs. Anthony Waterer Western Azalea )
The Occidentale Hybrids are the mathematical product mainly of R. occidentale , the Western Azalea native to the Pacific Coast . This species and its cultivars are rarely successful in the easterly U.S. , but are an excellent choice for a West Coast garden . Tall , upright , deciduous bush that is cold hardy down to -12 degrees F. Leaves are elliptic to oblong , glossy , medium putting green , 1 1/4 to 3 1/2 inches long ....