The rhododendron – the name is derived from the Greek word meaning “rose or red tree” - has blooms that can be found in magenta, purple, pink and white shades, often infused with blotted speckles and splashes of colour. The rhododendron is a genus of flowering plants with more than 700 species (of which only eight are native to Canada), including more than 300 which are believed to have medicinal value when used in treating gouty rheumatic conditions. They can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, but are mostly seen in China and the Himalayas. It is also the national flower of Nepal.

Stamp designer Isabelle Toussaint visited the 2008 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada exhibition in Kentville, Nova Scotia, when the rhododendrons were in full bloom. The hazy day offered a few brief intervals of sunshine, which in turn provided Toussaint with enough natural light for the photo shoot. “Having worked on many flower stamp projects over the years, I have relished the beauty of each and never become bored,” said Danielle Trottier, Manager of Stamp Design and Production at Canada Post. “As a gardener myself, I have found that the pleasure of working on these floral projects is often what gets me through our harsh winter months.”

The first Canadian stamps depicting flowers were issued in 1964 under the name “Floral Emblems” as a series of 14 stamps for each province and territory that featured their coats-of-arms and respective flowers. Since then, flowers have been blooming throughout the Canada Post Stamp Program as they are a beautiful addition to any mailing.