The subgenera Hymenanthes under the taxonomic system of Chamberlain et al. (1996) includes most elepidotes.

But under the proposed taxonomic system based upon genetic and chemical data, in 2004, by Loretta Goetsch, Andrew Eckert and Benjamin Hall of the University of Washington, subgenera Hymenanthes also includes deciduous azaleas, formerly subgenera Pentanthera.
Goetsch-Eckert-Hall
Goetsch-Eckert-Hall
Goetsch-Eckert-Hall

There are several good books that detail the history o f the hybridization of rhododendrons. Here are my recommendations:

"Hybrids and Hybridizers, Rhododendrons and Azaleas for Eastern North America", edited by Philip A. Livingston and Franklin H. West - 296 pages (June 1978), Harrowood Books; ISBN: 0915180049

"Rhododendrons and Azaleas" Chapter XIX, Where Hybrids Came From; by Bowers - 526 pages (January 1960); MacMillan Publishing Company; ASIN: 0025141805

"Tales of the Rose Tree: Ravishing Rhododendrons And Their Travels Around the World; by Jane Brown (2006) - 320 pages; David R. Godine Publisher; ISBN: 1567923127

"Rhododendrons of the World" Chapter VI, Rhododendron Hybrids; by David G. Leach - 544 pages (January 1961), Scribner Book Co., ISBN: 0684103516

"The Rhododendron Story: 200 Years of Plant Hunting and Garden Cultivation", Chapters 9 -12, Hybrids, (The Royal Horticulture Society, London, 1996), ISBN: 1874431426

"Rhododendrons", Part I, The Rhododendron Story, by Frederick Street - 177 pages (1965) Cassel & Company Ltd, London, ISBN: 1151455814

Journal of the American Rhododendron Society:

JARS V47:No1:p2:y1993 "A Breeder's Perspective", JARS

JARS V54:No4:p187:y2000 "The Gable Letters", JARS

JARS V51:No.2:p62:y1997 "Washington Hybridizers Create Plants For the Future", JARS

Some websites about Rhododendron Hybridizers:

Charles Dexter: Dexter

Joe Gable: Gable

Harold Greer: Greer

Hachmann: Hachmann

David Leach: Leach

Peter J. Mezitt: Mezitt

Hank Schannen: Schannen

Anthony Waterer: Waterer

Thank you so much RHODYMAN, you are a great source of knowledge for me about Rhododendron.
If you may send me also photo about breeders at work, you are incredible!!!
I live in Biella near Turin and I think that you know Parco Burcina, a Natural Park in wich there are over 100 cultivar of '800 Rhododendron and I'm working about this genetic resources.

Stories with photos:

Arthur & Edward Dunn

Charles Herbert

Tijs Huisman

Lionel Nathan de Rothschild

Medeiros

Guy Nearing

Hybridizing

Ed Mezitt

Kristian Theqvist

Rhododendron Breeding

Cox Family at Glendoick

David G. Leach

Well Rhodyman - this is just wonderful!! I just have to tell you that we were up on the Blue Ridge today. Do you know about that one mysterious rhodie up there?? I have pics of other rhodies in the area also. If you would like to see the pics just let me know.

We were definately "On top of the world" up there!!

You are just a wealth of information for me and I realize just how much I still have to learn. With teachers like you - it is a pleasure indeed.