The Honourable Jean-Marie de Montague

Rhododendron^{[pronunciation?]} (from Ancient Greek ῥρόδον rhódon "rose" and δέντρο déndro "tree")^[3][4] is a genus of 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), either evergreen or deciduous, and found mainly in Asia, although it is also widespread throughout the Southern Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains of North America. It is the national flower of Nepal. Most species have showy flowers which bloom from late winter through to early summer.

Thanks, Wikipedia!

The Coast Rhododendron is Washington's official state flower. Archibald Menzies discovered the Coast Rhododendron in 1792 when he and George Vancouver landed near present day Port Discovery.

Why am I writing about Rhododendron's? They're just about everywhere I look, they're starting to really blossom and I love it! Springtime in Western Washington is one of the most beautiful seasons and places to enjoy it. My yard has at least a dozen or so well established Rhododendrons, as does my neighbors' right across the street.

Tedd was out tending to his yard when I arrived home a short while ago. He was pruning back a yucca, which I don't understand why one would have such a plant in the Pacific Northwest. Anyway, Tedd is a character. Very bright, from an engineering background. Long story short, his family were some of the early settlers and founders of our town. He and his wife Vickie have lived in that house for about 30 years, maybe more. They are such lovely people.

When it comes to plans, Tedd is a veritable encyclopedia. He seems to know about every species of Rhododendron. Today I admired his giant red one at the very peak of its bloom. He told me it is called The Honourable Jean-Marie de Montague, which I had to say repeatedly in my head and then a couple times out loud to Tedd before I could remember it.

I wanted more info. on this specie, so I did some online research:

This cultivar's long name, 'The Honorable Jean Marie de Montague,' is generally shortened to 'Jean Marie de Montague' or simply 'Jean Marie' for sake of practicality or affection. But it is charming to find it not only listed in such important overviews as Greer's Guide to Available Rhododendrons by its fuller name, but actually alphabetized under the word "The."

Developed in Holland by C. B. van Nes & Sons about 1901 (though not in general production until the 1930s) 'Jean Marie' was for decades regarded as the best of all red rhododendrons. When the buds have matured, there is no more perfect red in existance. The flowers open to a slightly paler red, with faint freckles on the inner uppmost petal.
There you have it! And here's a photo: