Name: Rhododendron ‘Olga Mezitt’
Type of Plant: Mounding but open-habit, evergreen shrub that’s hardy in Zones 4 to 8.
Why I Love/Hate this plant: We know and love the first Rhododendron to bloom in this area, the PJM. That plant, with lavender flowers, was named for Peter J Mezitt of Weston Nurseries where it was developed. Olga, a pink-flowering variety, was named for his wife. Olga Mezitt flowers after the PJM, and is the second rhody to come into bloom, in early May. Olga has pink flowers.
I love the size of this plant, the fact that it comes into flower after PJM finishes, and the rich, pink blooms. I love seeing the bumble bees working the blossoms, and I appreciate the dark green to burgundy leaf color in the winter.
A Word to the Wise: Don’t believe the various websites or plant tags that claim this is a short plant. Olga grows 6 feet high and 5 feet wide so place it accordingly! Plant it in full sun to part shade.
The other morning I was watching as many bumble bees worked the Olga Mezitt flowers. Another plus for this plant.
I’ve always loved the large planting of Olga Mezitt Rhododendrons on Route 149 near Route 28 in Marstons Mills. Drive-by beauty!
You can see some Olga Mezitt rhododendrons in flower at Armstrong Kelley Park in Osterville.
I found four of these on sale three years ago, and I love seeing their pink show in early spring!
Is that your property they’re planted in? Beautiful!
Not my yard – although I have these on my property too. These are on the side of another private property in the mid-Cape area. I’ve always appreciated that the owners planted them where everyone driving by can see them.
Wow! I never realised there was so many out there. Olga was my great grandmother and it’s great to see so many.