I’m falling in love with a new plant. New to me, at least. I’m afraid to admit that I had absolutely no idea what wonderful, gorgeous creatures rhododendrons are! Someone should have told me! Also, I just learned that Pacific Rhododendron is the designated flower of Washington State… where I’ve been living for almost 6 years! Someone. Should. Have. Told me!

A lot of rhodies have established their root in my yard. Trying my best to ignore all the adorable young shoots emerging from the ground, I counted about eight or nine mature plants living in this place. The largest of them, next to the old Cherry Tree, looks like it’s almost climbing the side of the house. You really can’t miss it, it takes up so much of the space! Its vibrant, thick, green foliage almost crying for attention… and well, at first, I didn’t see it. I mean of course I saw it, it’s right there, I just didn’t pay proper attention.

The thing is, I’ve always categorized rhododendron as an ‘Old Lady’s Plant’. Something you’ll find in every Grandma’s garden, always present, super common and old-fashioned, kinda bland and uninteresting. In my book, you’ll find hydrangea and geranium in there too (I’m so sorry; if you love them, keep loving them for both of us!).

But then I moved here, and, fast-forward a couple of months, the first rhododendron in my yard started to bloom. Not the big one, another shorter, daintier one, embracing the base of a tall Douglas-Fir. I go out to see her everyday – it’s a spectacle I wouldn’t miss now that I know, now that I’ve seen. Candy pink colored petals emerging from the bulging buds, bursting into clusters of bell-shaped flowers, transitioning into the most delicate pale pink complexion. The little spots of rust on the upper petal. The stamens, all too perfectly aligned like some kind of musical instrument made for Fairies. My heart went wild seeing such beauty.

I have everything to learn about (and from) Rhododendron. I plan to introduce her in my spiritual and witchy practice while getting to know her. And as I was gathering the various scribbles and notes I jotted down these past weeks, I found myself wanting to share some of my discoveries with you. My first thoughts about this plant’s characteristics and symbolism if you will.

The first hint is the name: Rose Tree (from the Greek rhodon ‘rose’ and dendron ‘tree’). So I’m going to assume that the proprieties of this plant are pretty similar to those of Rose – which is nice to start with, because let me tell you, there aren’t a ton of mentions of rhododendron use in witchcraft out there. Alright, so love, grace, beauty, femininity, etc. Though I would say that rhodies seem to be more giving than roses, mostly because they show up in clusters of flowers instead of singles, but also because I see roses as somewhat aloof at times, distant, keeping to themselves (I really should stop speaking ill of well-beloved garden flowers, shouldn’t I?).

I’ll have to dig deeper, but I guess that their ties to protection and defense are slightly different too, at least in the way they work: roses have thorns, rhododendrons went the poison route. In any case, I read somewhere that they’re supposed to ward off evil spirits and warn of foreboding dangers, especially when encountered in dreams. I’m taking these with a grain of salt, but I like the added layer of symbolism and personality it gives the plant.

On the other end of the spectrum, I also read that Rhododendron is a great helper when trying to attract kindred spirits and folks of similar values, promoting opportunities to meet the ‘right’ people for you.

Now, looking at the plant behavior, especially the evergreen species living here, there’s an obvious element of resilience and adaptability. Rhododendrons have an enduring spirit, curling and dropping their leaves down during the colder months of Winter to survive freezing temperatures. I would also add preparedness in the mix: the buds start forming right after the bloom, getting ready for the next year. I won’t get into specifics but this, here, is actually the main teaching Rhododendron had for me when I met her. Prepare for whatever may come; when the conditions are favorable and an opportunity arises, take it with grace and make it your own.

Last but not least, rhodies are quirky! It’s a whimsical plant that will grow as she pleases, forming, weird, twisted shapes that make each individual really unique. I like that in a person (plant and human alike!).

Overall, it’s a very warm, attractive plant – showing up with almost tropical-looking flowers. To go further into magical purposes, I would have to take into consideration the color of the blooms but I’m happy to start introducing her into my witchy practice as soon as I can. I may start with a simple flower essence in the days to come; we’ll see if the weather allows it.

Now that my interest has been piqued, I look forward to getting to know her even better. I’m also waiting for the big one to show up! I wonder what color is going to pop up from its buds. Pink, red, white… no matter what, I know it’s going to be the most beautiful bloom! ✨🌺🌿