Members of the American Rhododendron Society get lots of requests like this. They have put together a list of proven performers in areas all over the US where they have chapters. Here is a link that might be useful: Proven Performers Lists

The slideshows are photos from a plantation owned by a foundation. The 'Plant Lady' hopes to train younger people before she gets too old to continue maintaining the grounds and the Butterfly Garden. As for my little patch in the photos above, it's designed so that when I'm no longer able to tend it, it can mostly revert to wild and the other parts be mowed over with a big mower. Because of rampant growth in this part of the country, I have lots of wide paths that are kept mowed so I can watch for snakes. And the Michelia did smell heavenly, even with only a small portion of open blooms. The native azaleas smelled good. It was a marvelous tour.

I apologize for coming across as grouchy. Sigh. We live in a world where we expect instant gratification. This is sad, and especially out of place when gardening. However, I do think there are too many forums. When there are no responses to a message, it remains at the top of the heap. Once there are responses, it will sink to the bottom, as the responses age. I didn't mean to imply that my checking had any effect at all, but just that, oh never mind... Thank you for your suggestions. Happy gardening, Christine

Mrs. T. H. Lowinsky "This plant has been around for a while and is still popular because of the striking and unusual blotch in the flower. A vigorous low growing plant, it blooms late with white flowers opening from lavender buds and a prominent orange brown blotch unlike any other. It has dark glossy leaves and is heat tolerant." [Rarefind Catalog] It is sold out at Rarefind, but a similar plant is Calsap. Here is a link that might be useful: Mrs. T. H. Lowinsky at Rarefind Nursery