Tips for preparing a winning entry:

1. Cut your entry the morning of the show, ideally from the top of the plant for straighter stems.

2. You can cut either a truss or spray for each one of your entries. A truss is the ball of flowers with a whorl of leaves below. A spray is a multi-branched collection of flowers originating from a single stem. Most rhododendrons will display best as trusses and most azaleas will display best as sprays, although there are exceptions for some azaleas, species rhododendrons, etc.

2. Choose your entry at peak bloom with flowers and leaves that are free of damage / bug holes and leaves that are even in size and spacing.

3. Cut your truss stem to about 4”. Your truss should have one ball of flowers and one set of leaves below it (it’s ok to cut a longer stem and to trim a set of leaves off). Sprays must be no wider than they are long.

4. Clean up your entry by removing flower casings and wiping dirt off leaves. Tweezers and a soft, damp towel can be helpful.

5. If you know your plant’s name, use the Classification Key to find its class and group. If not, arrive early and we’ll help you identify it!

To enter: Bring your entries to the Exhibit Hall at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202) on Saturday, May 9th between 7:30–9:30am.

When you arrive at the gate, let the Crystal Springs staff know you’re there for the ARS Portland Mother’s Day Show. Then head down the path to the Exhibit Hall. If this is your first time entering, be sure to tell the volunteers so your flowers can be entered in the novice category!

Trophy categories for the show are as follows — Novice, Best Pink, Best Red, Best White or Cream, Best Yellow, Best Purple, Best Blue, Best Orange, Apricot, Salmon, Best Blend or Bi-color, Best Protected, Best Azalea, Best Species, Best Hybrid, Popular Vote (only ribbon and accolades).