'Cornell Pink' Korean Rhododenron Buds Before the Storm

Monday afternoon before the Nor'Easter these early blooming Korean rhododendrons at Hofstra were showing some colorful buds. I guess I will find out how they fared in the storm and this freezing weather that followed it soon enough. The Missouri Botanic Garden has the following to say about these Rhododendrons, but it also notes that because it is so early blooming it is susceptible to frost damage to flowers, buds and emerging leaves:

"Rhododendron mucronulatum, commonly called Korean rhododendron is noted for its unusual (for rhododendrons) deciduous habit and for its early spring flowering period. It is native to Korea, Japan and northern China. It is a dense, upright, deciduous shrub which typically grows to a mature height of 4-8' tall and as wide. Flowers bloom in clusters at the branch tips in early spring (late March to early April in St. Louis) before the foliage emerges. This is perhaps the earliest blooming of the many species of cultivated rhododendrons. Elliptic, medium green leaves (to 3" long) are, as the species name suggests, mucronate (have sharp, pointed tips). Leaves turn interesting shades of yellow and red in fall."