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A hardy big-leaf with a thin brown indumentum on the lower leaf surface that has a distinctly “granular” appearance. White to pale yellow or pink flowers in early spring, one of the first of the big leaves to flower each spring. Grown from hand-pollinated seed produced here in the RSBG.
A newly introduced, very ornamental and distinct species from the S Yunnan/N Vietnam frontier. The quite large, white and fragrant flowers appear in mid-summer. This vigorous species is similar in general appearance to its relative R. hemsleyanum but with narrower leaves and a more upright and narrow growth habit and much larger flowers. One of the fastest growing of all species. These are grown from seed collected in the wild.
A newly introduced, very ornamental and distinct species from the S Yunnan/N Vietnam frontier. The quite large, white and fragrant flowers appear in mid-summer. This vigorous species is similar in general appearance to its relative R. hemsleyanum but with narrower leaves and a more upright and narrow growth habit and much larger flowers. One of the fastest growing of all species. These are grown from seed collected in the wild.
A relatively newly introduced big-leaf species with large, pale to deep yellow flowers in mid-spring. Very vigorous and attractive with great flowers and foliage. Reported hardy to +8 F along the east coast and showing some signs of heat tolerance in the southeast. A very vigorous grower, best in light shade like any other big-leaf. Stunning in foliage and flower. These are grown from hand-pollinated seed produced here in the garden. Along with rex ssp. rex this is the best all-around big-leaf for the Pac. NW.
A relatively newly introduced big-leaf species with large, pale to deep yellow flowers in mid-spring. Very vigorous and attractive with great flowers and foliage. Reported hardy to +8 F along the east coast and showing some signs of heat tolerance in the southeast. A very vigorous grower, best in light shade like any other big-leaf. Stunning in foliage and flower. These are grown from seed collected in the wild from only the third population of this species ever documented and where there was quite a bit more variation in leaf shape and indumentum. Along with rex ssp. rex this is the best all-around big-leaf for the Pac. NW.
One of the most impressive species in the genus. This big-leaf has the largest leaves of any rhododendron. Quite extraordinary as a foliage plant - with correspondingly large cream to pale yellow flowers and a crimson blotch. These are grown from hand-pollinated seed produced here at the RSBG. Best in light shade and stunning in a container if grown in colder areas.
A very exciting, newly described big-leaf species. This is a recent introduction from the China/Vietnam frontier that was first collected as both “sinogrande aff.” and “protistum aff.” as it shares characteristics of both species. This has among the largest leaves of any species in the genus and puts on an amazing foot and a half of growth each year. Beautiful white flowers with a strong red blotch. As far as is currently known, this and the more widespread sinofalconeri are the only big-leaf species native to this southern region. An amazing plant that is probably slightly less hardy than sinofalconeri as it comes from a lower elevation.
A large and magnificent species with bold foliage approaching the “big-leaf” species in size. Very large and showy pink to white-flushed pink flowers with a yellow throat in early spring. Probably the hardiest of the larger-leaved species, this prefers light shade or woodland conditions. A real stunner in the early spring garden. These are grown from seed collected in the wild.
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