What is the Washington State Flower?

The Washington State Flower is the Coast Rhododendron, scientific name Rhododendron macrophyllum. It was adopted by the Washington State Legislature in 1959.
The Washington State Flower is found in the wild in the western regions of North America, from Alaska to California and east to Idaho. It is a member of the Ericaceae, or heath family, and is closely related to both azaleas and blueberries. The Coast Rhododendron is an evergreen shr

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Introduction

The state flower of Washington is the coast rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum). Rhododendrons are a member of the Ericaceae (heath family), which includes blueberries, cranberries, and azaleas. There are over 1000 species of rhododendrons worldwide, and they come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, white, and red. Coast rhododendrons are native to the western United States and Canada, and they bloom between May and June. The coast rhododendron was adopted as the state flower of Washington in 1959.

History of the Washington State Flower

The Coast Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum), also known as the Pacific Rhododendron, was adopted as the Washington State Flower in 1959. It is indigenous to the west coast of North America, from southern British Columbia to northern California.

A hardy evergreen shrub, it is often found growing in coastal forests and along mountain streams. It can reach a height of 20 feet (6 m), with leathery, dark green leaves and large clusters of showy flowers that range in color from white to pink to purple.

In the wild, the Coast Rhododendron blooms in late spring or early summer. However, cultivated varieties can bloom any time from late winter to early fall.

The Washington State Flower Today

The Washington State Flower is the Coast Rhododendron, scientific name Rhododendron macrophyllum. It was adopted as the state flower in 1959. It is an evergreen shrub that blooms in late spring, with large clusters of pink to rose-purple flowers. The Coast Rhododendron grows in the coastal areas of Washington and Oregon.

How to Grow the Washington State Flower

The Washington State Flower is the native wood violet, also called the common blue violet. It is a small, delicate flower that grows in the woods and along roadsides. The flowers are typically blue, but can also be white or violet.

The wood violet is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow. It prefers shady, moist conditions and will not tolerate drought well. If you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to grow the plant in a protected location such as beneath a tree or in a shady spot in the garden.

To grow the plant from seed, start them indoors in late winter or early spring. Sow the seeds on the surface of moistened potting mix and cover with a thin layer of sand. Place the pots in a location with bright indirect light and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Seeds will germinate in two to four weeks.

Once seedlings have emerged, transplant them into individual pots filled with moist potting mix. Grow the plants indoors until all danger of frost has passed, then transplant them into the garden. Choose a location in partial to full shade and amend the soil with organic matter before planting. Water regularly throughout the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.

Conclusion

The Washington state flower is the Coast Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum). It was adopted by the state legislature in 1959. The Coast Rhododendron is a large evergreen shrub that can grow to be 15 feet tall. It has large, showy trusses of pink or white flowers that bloom in May and June.