Though hippophaeoides is one of the
"least rare" species-rhodies on the market, & has been gardened for almost
a century, & should be able to pass along its trait of extreme
cold-hardiness, it hasn't been used in any important hybridazation
programs, which is most curious.

I think that the only hybrid I have with hippo in it is Mother Greer, done by
Harold Greer and named after his mama. He has also done Shooting Star (cross
with racemosum) that is quite nice, though I don't have it.

I agree that it hasn't been used much, though.