DWARF AND SMALLER-GROWING RHODODENDRON SPECIES

The most compact-growing and dwarf representation of this very confusing species complex – this is the “alpine form” as known from the top of the highest mountain in N Vietnam. Masses of deep yellow waxy flowers in mid-spring with hairy, deeply bullate, glossy green leaves. Much smaller and more compact than its close relative from just across the Red River in S Yunnan – the newly named valentinioides. Smooth and peeling reddish-brown bark. So far, this has proven to be quite hardy for a Maddenia. A stunning foliage plant with the darkest yellow flowers I have seen in a rhododendron. Grown from seed collected in the wild. Sure to become one of the most popular of the new introductions in years to come. NOTE: We have sold this in the past as valentinianum var. oblongilobatum aff./species nova?  

An evergreen shrub with intense red-purple new growth. Masses of bright red tubular bell-shaped flowers in early spring. Very distinct and quite rare in cultivation. Surprisingly hardy considering its native range. Nice large specimens this year.

Large and very slow-growing evergreen shrubs with thick and stiff branches. The very distinct foliage appears to be almost sessile on the stems due to the very short, winged petioles. The bright green color of the leaves is offset by a striking yellow midrib. The flowers (very early spring) are white or white flushed pink, sometimes spotted maroon. Although not as impressively large-leafed as most of its “big-leaf” cousins, this species has distinctly beautiful foliage and is the hardiest member of its subsection. From seed collected in the wild.  

One of the finest, easiest and most attractive of all species. Rounded leaves, bronzy new growth and delicate rose, bell-shaped flowers on this form from the collection at Caerhays. Easy in sun or shade and relatively drought tolerant once established, this is one of the best and most ornamental of all species for general garden use. 

One of the finest, easiest and most attractive of all species. Rounded leaves and bronzy new growth. This is a large-flowered form with the darkest pink flowers of any clone in our collection. Easy in sun or shade and relatively drought tolerant once established, this is one of the best and most ornamental of all species for general garden use.

One of the finest, easiest and most attractive of all species. Rounded leaves, bronzy new growth and delicate rose, bell-shaped flowers on this form from the type (original) collection. Easy in sun or shade and relatively drought tolerant once established, this is one of the best and most ornamental of all species for general garden use.  

One of the finest, easiest and most attractive of all species. This clone has maybe the very largest flowers for this species in our entire collection. Easy in sun or shade and relatively drought tolerant once established, this is one of the best and most ornamental of all species for general garden use. This is an excellent selection.  

This is a very dwarf member of subsection Maddenia with small elliptic leaves typically an inch or less in length. In the wild it forms tight, low domes on the tops of boulders and on cliffsides. This species has very large flowers considering the relatively small size of the plant and leaves. These are borne in clusters of two or three and are pure white with reflexed petals – quite different from any other rhododendron. Very slow-growing so far, best with good drainage.