MEDIUM-GROWING, SHRUBBY RHODODENDRON SPECIES

This very rare species (known from only two or three locations in the wild) is a member of subsection Fortunea. It has only recently been introduced into cultivation (2010) and is probably most closely related to hemsleyanum and the recently introduced serotinum and shares some of the same characteristics – large, fragrant white flowers, a large habit and impressively big and bold foliage. As seen in the wild, this was a spectacular plant with large elliptic leaves to ten inches or more in length. Probably best with a bit of shade in the afternoon to preserve the late-season flowers that appear in early autumn(!). Nice large plants.

This species forms a large shrub or small tree to around 20 ft. The flowers (early to mid-spring) are typically lilac-blue to lavender with a darker blotch and flecks. The distinctive lanceolate leaves are bullate above and have a felted white indumentum on the under surface. A beautiful, easily grown and rarely offered species native to forests in Sichuan, China. These are grown from hand-pollinated seed produced here in the garden.

This is a newly introduced collection from northern Vietnam perhaps most closely related to glanduliferum but found far to the south of the known range of that species. Similar large and glossy foliage and fragrant white flowers in early summer. This is a strong-growing, ultimately very large plant. A beautiful foliage plant. Our first offering of this new introduction, might be named as a new species.

A rarely encountered woodland species with stunning hairy and bullate foliage with red bristly stems and petioles. The pink flowers have a darker blotch and a bristly pedicel. This is a very attractive species requiring excellent drainage and some overhead protection for best results. Nice large specimens this year.

 A newly introduced species with very attractive, smooth and glossy, olive-green foliage and stunning rose-purple flowers in mid-spring. Each flower is highlighted by a large starry reddish-purple calyx. Very striking and quite distinct. Easy in light shade and seems to be quite hardy. The new growth of this species is particularly attractive. This offering has been grown from hand-pollinated seed produced here at the RSBG.

 A newly introduced species with very attractive, smooth and glossy, olive-green foliage and stunning rose-purple flowers in mid-spring. Each flower is highlighted by a large starry reddish-purple calyx. Very striking and quite distinct. Easy in light shade and seems to be quite hardy. The new growth of this species is particularly attractive. This offering has been grown from hand-pollinated seed produced here at the RSBG.

 A rare species in cultivation. This large evergreen shrub has shiny narrow pointed leaves and rose-purple to red flowers in early spring. The flowers are usually heavily spotted for an overall very exotic look. These are grown from seed collected in the wild. These will probably have red to reddish flowers. Best in light shade.

R. kyawii is best considered a larger-growing and more glandular form of the more familiar R. facetum but with much larger leaves and flowers. The flowers (crimson to scarlet) do not appear until late summer. With leaves almost as large as those of one of the “big-leafs” this is a spectacular species for mild regions. These are grown from hand-pollinated seed produced by selfing CCHH#8078 which was the first recollection of this species (along the Yunnan/Myanmar frontier) in the modern era. A very rares species in cultivation. Our first offering in many years - the real thing!