Growing up in Washington State, children are taught in school about our state’s history.
When Washington became a state: 1889.
What our Washington state bird is: American Goldfinch.
Our state flower?: The Coast Rhododendron
It’s interesting that “coast’ is in the name. I grew up on the coast, and I saw a considerable amount of Rhodies all around Puget Sound.
So, how is it that the Rhododendron was chosen as Washington State’s Flower?
The answer dates back to 1892.
Women across the state voted on two options that would represent the newly formed State of Washington at the upcoming 1993 World’s Fair in Chicago. The Rhododendron beat out Clover and became our state flower.
‘Rhododendrons, often referred to as “rhodies” are a common sight in gardens around the Pacific Northwest. As a whole, the genus Rhododendron contains over 1,000 varieties grown all over the world.’ -Coastal Interpretive Center
The exact kind of Rhodie was chosen by the State Legislature in 1959: Rhododendron macrophyllum, or more commonly known as the Coast Rhododendron, the Pacific Rhododendron, the California Rosebay, the California Rhododendron, or the “bigleaf rhododendron.”
Rhody in the wild via Canva
Rhody in the wild via CanvaThere are two origin stories of the original Rhododendron habit.
* One well-circulated account names Joseph Hooker, a British botanist who spent two years in the late 1840s in Sikkim, located in Northeastern India. The city of Darjeeling (made famous by film director Wes Anderson) is in this region. Hooker sent rhododendron plants and seeds back to the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew in Southwest London.
In the coming decades, British homes had to have these extremely popular, exotic rhododendrons on their property.
* Another origin story for the Rhodie says Captain George Vancouver first saw the colorful Rhododendrons in the 1790s in what today is known as Discovery Bay, near Port Townsend. William Lobb sent Rhodie seeds to England in 1850. This could also be why the Rhodie craze continued to skyrocket for the coming decades.
I regularly saw Rhodie’s in my childhood hometown of Bremerton. The most popular colors for Rhododendrons are purples and pinks, as well as white and cream. The Rhododendron loves shade and favors wet climates.
If you’re interested in growing Rhodies on your property, check out this how-to growing guide from Better Homes and Gardens.
Non-Toxic Flowers That Are Safe For Pets
Contrary to our list of unsafe flowers for pets like cats and dogs, here are some flowers for your sweetheart that are a safe bet for the animals as well!
Gallery Credit: Maria Danise
Toxic Flowers to Keep Away From Your Pets
Though pretty, these flowers are prone to cause issues with dogs and cats, so if you’re thinking about gifting one of these to your special someone, make sure you don’t let the animals get to them!
Gallery Credit: Maria Danise
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