March Meeting 2002 – The Porche Line

by Margaret DeWeese

Joe Harvey gave an interesting talk to the VRS March meeting. While driving home from the meeting in near white-out conditions, I thought of Joe’s talk and cars. Joe is a hybridist, internationally renowned, and his talk explained why he has had such success with R. ‘Blewbury’ and ‘The Porcupine’, which some consider one of the most exciting hybrids to have been developed.

Joe started in about 1972 to develop a keen eye for what is the best in rhododendrons. No Hondas, Mazdas , Oldsmobiles or Cadillacs for him. He was intent on indumentum, elongated narrow leaves and compact habit. Nothing but the ‘Porche’ for Joe and it was the exciting new R. yakushimanum with its white velvety new growth which stirred him into many years of incredible selctivity using the Ferraris, Porches and Mercedes of the rhododendron species: R. degronianum (metternichii var. pentamerium), pronum, taliense, roxieanum, proteoides, pachysanthum, pseudochrysanthum, makinoi known for compact habit (short internodal growth), cinnamon to white indumentum (hairy) and beautiful narrow and sometimes curved leaves. He showed us slides of his pollination techniques….perfect protective caps to keep the crosses pure; and told of us of some of the interesting results of breeding for compactness resulting in tall leggy forms. I wonder how many results of the planned parenthood of rhododendron crosses need to be put aside….probably thousands.…as they don’t meet the criteria the hybridist is after. Joe and his wife, Linda, live in an area which has proved to be more difficult to grow rhododendrons than Halifax. Summer drought and frost pockets have deterred him from growing many of the species he uses for his programme. He has the access, as we all do, of getting pollen and seed from the ARS, and to gardens locally, such as the Finnerty Gardens. He carries on with growing and distributing valuable seed. We are so fortunate to have in the Victoria club a man with his knowledge. The horticultural world grows ever more exciting plants because of people like Joe. Now his sights are on Hellebores, Galanthus and Arisaemas. How marvellous! Thank you Joe.