SPECIES FOUNDATION RHODODENDRONS
Short description of most species.
Updated from old RSF catalogs by Jerry L. Fickes
updated by Hans Eiberg 1997-2002
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aberconwayi
Irrorata
Shrubs, 5 to 8 ft. Flowers (May) are white to pale rose with
crimson spots. Unusual, stiff upward-curving leaves. Limited
distribution in the wild. Found on mountain summits from 6,000 to
8,000 ft. China
64/015 ('His Lordship') WGP-ACL (+5). An award form with
flowers white spotted red. AM 1945
73/001 EXB: FR: PHB (+5).
78/015 'Westhaven' MCG (+5). Flowers white with maroon spots.
adenogynum
Taliensia
Broadly upright but compact-growing evergreen shrubs. The leaves have
a distinctive spongy to somewhat woolly yellowish to greenish brown
indumentum on the undersides. The flowers (mid-spring) are white to
rose or rose-purple, often with purple or brownish spots. A free-
flowering and relatively easily grown member of this subsection with
outstanding foliage. Native to China (SE Tibet, W Yunnan & SW Sichuan)
where it occurs on open slopes above tree-line from 10,000 to 14,000 ft.
75/248 (adenophorum) FD-WEB (-5). Flowers rose shaded white,
in April.
76/259 F#21409:Windsor ('10\R1\3). White flushed rose flowers with
maroon flecks. Choice foliage species for partial shade.
79/104 (adenophorum 'Kirsty') Rock 11471: BH (-5). An award
form with white suffused reddish-purple flowers. AM 1976
82/141 BRP (-5)
276sd1997 JN#542:RSBG ('10\R1\3). Grown from seed collected wild by
Jens Nielsen at 13,125 ft. in the Yulong Shan, Yunnan, China.
adenopodum
Argyrophylla
Shrubs up to 10 ft. Flowers (April-May) are pale rose sometimes
spotted. Slow growing. Long dark green leaves with gray to fawn
indumentum below. Native to open woods at 5,000 to 7,200 ft.
China
73/003 FR - PHB (-5). Pale rose form.
76/142 WGP (-5). An award form with rose-pink spotted
crimson flowers, and grey tone indumentum. AM 1926
adenosum
Glischra
Shrubs from 6 to 15 ft. Flowers (April-May) are pale pink with
purple flecks. Leaves and branches with characteristic bristles
and viscid glands. Limited distribution in the Muli region of
Sichuan Province. Found in spruce forests and near swamps at
10,000 to 11,500 ft. China
75/325 (kuluense) ACB (0)
76/211 (kuluense) RBG (0)
76/187 RBGE (0). Flowers pale pink becoming darker at the tips
with a magenta blotch and flecks.
afghanicum
Afghanicum
Dwarf shrubs to 18". Flowers (June) are greenish-white to white.
Very rare in cultivation. Grows on limestone cliffs in forests at
7,000 to 9,000 ft. Afghanistan, Pakistan
80/083 Wendelbo 9706: RBG (+10). A form with white to green-
white flowers.
aganniphum var. aganniphum
Taliensia
Compact to quite large evergreen shrubs, generally smaller in
cultivation. A variable, widespread and common species in the
wild. The attractive foliage is covered with a pale indumentum
beneath. The flowers (mid-spring) are borne in a dense rounded
inflorescence and vary in color from white to rose or deep
pink, typically with numerous reddish spots. Very slow-growing
and rather difficult and thus rare in cultivation. A choice
collector's species. Native to China (SE Tibet, NW Yunnan & W
Sichuan) where it is found in a wide variety of habitats from
11,000 to 15,000 ft.
77/771 (glaucopeplum) F 25520: WGP (-5)
92/014 KW#5863:LEO ((10\R3\3). I have not seen this clone in bloom.
273sd1997 JN#639:RSBG (- 10\R3\3). Grown from seed collected
by Jens Nielsen at 12,500 ft. in the Tisongmu Shan, near
Zhongdian in Yunnan, China from "beautiful foliage plants with
striking orange-pink indumentum turning rusty fawn.
275sd1997 JN#379:RSBG ('10\R3\3). Grown from seed collected
wild by Jens Nielsen at 13,300 ft. in the Beima Shan, Yunnan, China.
350sd1997 JN#189:RSBG ('10\R3\3). Grown from seed collected wild by
Jens Nielsen at 13,780 ft. in the Daxue Shan, Yunnan, China.
385sd1997 BH#095:RSBG ('10\R3\3). Grown from seed collected wild at
13,125 ft. near the Beima Shan, Yunnan, China.
443sd97 (Glaucopeplum Group) JN#656:RSBG (- 10\R3\3). Grown
from seed collected wild at 13,100 ft. in the Haba Shan,
Zhongdian, NW Yunnan, China. Shiny, dark green leaves with a
pale indumentum on these stout seedlings. These should have a
darker and thinner indumentum than the typical aganniphum.
aganniphum var. flavorufum
Taliensia
Generally small shrubs with some forms reaching 10 ft. Flowers
(April-May) are white or white flushed with pink. Distinctive
indumentum splits into small irregular patches and is buff to
red-brown when mature. Abundant in the wild and merges completely
with var. aganniphum and found on the margins of forest, among
boulders and scrub on slopes, and on cliffs from 11,000 to 15,000
ft. China
70/407 (flavorufum) F 14368: RBG (-5) White flowers in April
aganniphum var. flavorufum affinity
Taliensia
This is an interesting and beautiful plant which has been
grown and distributed for years as "bathyphyllum" from the
Windsor collection under Forrest#14718. Recent chemical and
morphological studies have shown that this clone is closer to
aganniphum var. flavorufum and that the Windsor plant is
misnamed and probably not derived from F#14718 (we now know
that the real bathyphyllum is a naturally occurring hybrid
between proteoides and aganniphum which looks completely
different). Nomenclatural shenanigans aside, this is a
fantastic foliage plant with a distinctive splitting brownish
indumentum on the undersides of shiny ovate-elliptic leaves.
Forms a beautiful rounded evergreen shrub in partial shade. I
have not seen the flowers but they are probably the typical
Taliensia white or white flushed rose in mid-spring.
1976/265 Windsor:Berg (- 10\R2\3). A really nice looking plant
for well-drained soils in a bright but not too hot exposure.
x agastum
Irrorata
Attractive early-blooming evergreen shrubs. The flowers are pale
to deep pink or sometimes white flushed pink but always blotched
and usually spotted. Recent field work has proven that this "species"
is actually a natural hybrid, probably resulting from crosses between
irroratum and arboreum ssp. delavayi and possibly arboreum ssp.
delavayi x decorum. Rare in cultivation and found only in W Yunnan &
Guizhou(?), China where it occurs in thickets and forests from 5,000(?)
to 11,000 ft.
237sd95 PW#93:RSBG (0 to +10?\R1\8). Grown from seed collected
wild at 5,450 ft. in Guizhou Province, China.
247sd95 PW#98:RSBG (0 to +10?\R1\8). Grown from seed collected
wild at 5,750 ft. in Guizhou Province, China.
albertsenianum
Neriiflora
Shrubs, 3 to 6 ft. Flowers (April) are bright crimson rose.
Leaves with bistrate indumentum, an unusual feature for a species
in this subsection, brown in color, the upper layer loose and
woolly, and the lower felted and compact. Collected only once in
the wild and still rare in cultivation. Found in open forests at
10,000 ft. China
75/093 F 14195: WGP (+5). Collected by George Forrest on the
divide between the Mekong and Salween Rivers during his
1912-14 expedition to upper Yunnan Province. A form with red
flowers.
albiflorum
Candidastrum
Upright-growing deciduous shrubs with glossy elliptic to
oblong leaves. The widely bell-shaped white flowers (early to
mid-summer) are borne in axillary clusters of two (or singly)
along the erect stems. A difficult and rare species in
cultivation, requiring excellent drainage and a cool but
bright position. An extremely unusual and quite unique species
unrelated to any other. Widespread and common in many forested
mountainous areas of western North America from 4,000 to 7,200 ft.
176sd96 95RP#020:RSBG (- 20\R3\3). Grown from seed collected
wild by Rick Peterson in the Olympic Mountains of Washington.
232sd97 RSBG (- 20\R3\3). Grown from seed collected wild by
Richie Steffen in the Cascade Mountains of Washington.
220sd1998 RSBG (- 20\R3\3). Grown from seed collected wild at
4,500 ft. in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State.
albrechtii
Sciadorhodion
Upright-growing, deciduous shrubs with obovate hairy leaves.
The exquisite flowers (early to mid-spring) are rose to
rose-purple, generally appearing before the newly emerging
foliage. A choice and hardy azalea, perfect in the woodland
garden but unfortunately, rarely seen in cultivation.
Brilliant fall foliage color. Native to Japan (C Honshu to C
Hokkaido) where it occurs at 3,300 ft. in subalpine habitats.
334sd1995 95ARS#362:RSBG (- 15\R1\4). These are large vigorous
seedlings grown from seed collected wild in Japan.
570sd96 96ARS#275:RSBG ((15\R1\4). Grown from seed collected
wild in Japan.
alutaceum var. alutaceum
Taliensia
Usually dwarf shrubs to 2 ft. with some forms to 15 ft. Flowers
(March-April) are white to pink to lilac-mauve, sometimes
spotted. Narrow leaves with attractive indumentum. Found in open
pastures and thickets from 9,000 to 14,000 ft. China
76/202 RBG (-5). A form with vibrant rose-pink flowers.
77/656 (syn. globigerum) F. 25738 WGP (0). White flowers
with maroon spots.
alutaceum var. iodes
Taliensia
Shrubs, 5 to 12 ft. Flowers (April-May) are white to flushed rose
sometimes with a crimson blotch. Leaves with a pale fawn
indumentum below. Found in conifer forests, thickets, and on
slopes among rocks at 10,000 to 14,000 ft. China
75/199 (iodes) R 19: CS (-5). White flowers with red
spotting.
75/321 (iodes) BENM:UBC ((5). Flowers white.
79/111 (iodes 'White Plains') BH (-5). An award form with
white flowers spotted red-purple. AM 1978
amagianum
Brachycalyx (Azalea)
Dainty deciduous shrubs to 15 ft. Flowers (June) are bright pink-
orange, red-orange, to brick red with brown spots. Rare in the
wild and slow to bloom in cultivation. Late flowering and
difficult to propagate. Yellow-orange leaf color in autumn. Found
only at lower elevations in southern Japan.
73/356 PH Brydon (0). Brick red flowers.
ambiguum
Triflora
Upright growing but compact evergreen shrubs with shiny dark green
leaves, glaucous beneath. The flowers (mid-spring) are greenish
yellow to pale yellow and widely funnel-shaped. Closely related
to R. triflorum but with a more compact habit and lacking an
indumentum on the outer surface of the corolla. An attractive and
hardy yellow-flowered lepidote, quite easy in cultivation. Native
to W Sichuan, China where it grows in a wide variety of montane
habitats from 8,500 to 14,000 ft.
80/108 ('Jane Banks') HER (-5). An award form with yellow
flowers. AM 1976
82/156 Copenhagen BG-JC Birck (-5). Hardy form.
82/182 (chengshienianum) KR#139:JORG ((10\R1\6). A clone with large
yellow flowers and yellow-green spots grown from seed collected
on Emei Shan (Mt. Omei) in Sichuan.
KR 139: TJ (-5). Form collected
from famous Mt. Omei. Yellow flowers.
90/053 BERG ((10\R1\6). This clone grown from seed collected at
around 10,000 ft. by Arp Hansen on the famous Emei Shan in Sichuan.
90/058 Berg (- 10\R1\6). This clone grown from seed collected
wild at 10,000 ft. on Emei Shan (Mt. Omei), Sichuan, China. I
have not recorded flower data on this clone.
396sd96 SEH#047:RSBG ((10\R1\6). Grown from seed collected wild at
11,500 ft. in the Daliang Shan of S Sichuan, China.
amesiae
Triflora
Shrubs, 7 to 13 ft. Flowers (May) are purple to dark reddish-
purple. Closely related to R. concinnum. but more rare in
cultivation. Found in the northwestern Sichuan near Mupin. Grows
in woodland and thickets from 7,500 to 10,000 ft. China
80/071 CH (0)
81/015 Univ. Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (0)
82/092 RBG: GBG (0) Form with reddish-purple flowers.
annae
Irrorata
Shrubs, 8 to 15 ft. Flowers (April) are white, suffused rose,
without spots or spotted purple to pink. Corolla cup shaped to
openly campanulate. Found in and on margins of mixed thickets
and forests from 4,500 to 11,000 ft. China (Yunnan, Guangxi), NE
Burma
69/072 (laxiflorum) EXB - MVW (+5). Flowers pure white.
70/132 (hardingii) STR (+5). Medium shrub with narrow leaves
and white flowers.
anthopogon ssp. anthopogon
Pogonanthum
Well-branched shrubs to 3 ft. with one-inch aromatic leaves.
Delicate paper thin flowers (April-May) are creamy-yellow to
white to pink. Native to open slopes and hillsides at 11,000 to
16,000 ft. Nepal, India, Bhutan, China
68/588 ('Betty Graham') L&S 1091: GLE (0). A compact low
shrub with aromatic leaves and deep pink flowers. An award form.
AM 1969
80/152 LF - UBCP(0). A form with white flowers.
82/171 Hedegaard 397 (0). A form with creamy yellow white
flowers.
anthopogon ssp. hypenanthum
Pogonanthum
Dwarf compact evergreen shrubs with tiny rounded to elliptic
aromatic leaves. The leaves are shiny and dark green above with
dark brown scales beneath. The beautiful flowers (mid-spring) are
borne in small rounded inflorescences and are tissue paper-like in
texture. They resemble the tubular flowers of a Daphne and range
in color from white to yellow, pink or deep rose. A choice species
for the alpine garden but rather difficult in cultivation, requiring
a bright but not hot exposure and excellent drainage in a moist soil.
Native to the western Himalayas from Kashmir to E Nepal where it
occurs in various alpine habitats from 11,000 to 18,000 ft.
79/051 (hypenanthum 'Annapurna') GLE (0). Form with primrose
yellow flowers.
83/209 GLE:GAM ((5\R3\2). This clone with primrose-yellow flowers
grown from seed collected wild on Annapurna in Nepal.
anthosphaerum
Irrorata
Large, upright evergreen shrubs or small trees 3 to 30 ft. An
extremely variable species with oblong to obovate or oblanceolate
leaves. Variable in flower color, ranging from pale pink, rose
and lavender to mauve, lilac and magenta. The 6 to 7 lobed
flowers (early to late spring) are tubular bell-shaped with
nectar pouches, a blotch and/or spots. This is a variable and
widespread species in the wild but rarely seen in cultivation
outside of major species collections. Native to SE Tibet, N
Upper Burma and Yunnan Province, China where it occurs in
various habitats from 9,000 to 13,000 ft.
64/116 LEO (+10). Early blooming form with rose marked
lavender flowers.
77/736 (syn. eritimum ) R 11354: WGP (+10). Flowers are
pink blotched red.
77/770 (Eritimum Group) F#25984:Windsor (+10 to +5\R1\5). I
have not recorded flowering data on this clone which we
received as "pale pink/lavender". Rarely offered.
528sd1998 DJHC#98259:RSBG (+5\R1\5). These are grown from seed
collected wild by Daniel Hinkley.
araiophyllum
Irrorata
Shrubs or small trees to 20 ft. Flowers (April) are white flushed
rose with a crimson blotch and spots. Found in rainy subtropical
mixed forests at 7,500 to 11,000 ft. China, Burma
80/041 Forrest 27698 (+20): BH
arborescens
Pentanthera (Azalea)
Upright deciduous shrubs with smooth stems. The ovate to elliptic
leaves are shiny dark green on the upper surface, becoming red or
other bright colors in the autumn. The fragrant flowers (early to
mid-summer) are white to white flushed pink with a long narrow
tube and spreading lobes. The Smooth Azalea is a fine late-blooming,
fragrant species for sun or the woodland garden. Native to the E
USA from Pennsylvania to Alabama where it occurs in various habitats
from 1,000 to 5,000 ft.
76/273 HTS#1100A:USNA (- 10\R1\4). This smaller-growing clone
with fragrant white flowers was collected in Upson Co.,
Georgia. Our latest blooming clone. Fantastic in late July!
80/012 CT (-10). White flowers with a yellow blotch.
Collected in South Carolina.
81/074 BIL (-10). Form with light pink flowers.
343sd1997 97ARS#456:RSBG ('10\R1\5). Grown from seed collected
wild near Cheat Bridge in Randolph Co., West Virginia.
376sd1997 97ARS#455:RSBG ('10\R1\5). Grown from seed collected
wild near Sanderson in Danawha Co., West Virginia.
arboreum ssp. albotomentosum
Arborea
This recently reclassified taxon (I had listed it as arboreum ssp.
delavayi var. albotomentosum last year) was introduced by Kingdon
Ward in 1956 from an isolated and distinctly different population of
arboreum which he found growing on Mt. Victoria in SW Burma. This was
probably his last introduction of Rhododendron seed and has proven to
be quite a spectacular version of this variable species. According to
Dr. David Chamberlain, this population lies between ssp. arboreum & ssp.
delavayi taxonomically. The smaller than normal leaves are glossy green
above with a thick whitish spongy indumentum on the underside. The
scarlet to red unspotted flowers are in a compact inflorescence. So
far known only from the original collection site where it occurred
from 8,000 to 10,000 ft.
79/010 'Dr. Bowman' KW#21976:SCHI (+12?\R1\6). A superb selection
with cardinal red flowers and deep purple nectar pouches. Blooms
mid-winter in C California.
arboreum ssp. arboreum
Arborea
Large trees, often growing to 100 ft. in the wild, hence its
name, meaning tree like. Rarely under 6 ft. on exposed sites.
Flowers (May) are bright red to carmine, rarely pink or white.
Leaves dark green, narrowly to broadly elliptic or ovate with
white to silver-colored indumentum below. Perhaps the most
widespread, common and variable species in the world found from
6,000 to 9,000 ft. Native to the foothills of the Himalayas in
India ( Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim,
West Bengal),N India, Nepal, Bhutan.
64/118 Leonardslee (0). Clear pink flowers in faultless
trusses.
76/002 (arboreum) JHC (0). A form with crimson flowers.
79/010 (arboreum 'Dr. Bowman') KW 21976: PS (+10). A form
with brilliant red flowers.
80/127 Trewithen (+10)
511sd97 SEH#525:RSBG (+5?\R1\6). Grown from seed collected wild
at 9,000 ft. in the Sikkim Himalayas from assorted plants in a
large population.
513sd97 SEH#527:RSBG (+5?\R1\6). Grown from seed collected
wild at 9,000 ft. in the Sikkim Himalayas from a plant with
attractive carmine-pink flowers.
552sd97 SEH#566:RSBG (+5?\R1\6). Grown from seed collected wild
at 9,000 ft. in the Sikkim Himalayas from a group of plants
with the best red flowers I had seen on that expedition.
arboreum ssp. cinnamomeum var. cinnamomeum
Arborea
Large evergreen shrubs with stiff lanceolate foliage. The
leaves have an attractive rusty brown bistrate indumentum on
the lower surface. The flowers (mid- to late spring) are
white, pink, carmine or red. Found at higher elevations than
ssp. arboreum and thus generally hardier. A beautiful plant in
both foliage and flower. Native to open forests and rocky
slopes from 9,000 to 11,500 ft. in E Nepal and NE India (West
Bengal & Sikkim).
64/118 Leonardslee (0\R1\6). Rose in bud, opening to rose flowers
with darker pink flecks and basal blotching. Our best 'hardy' pink
arboreum. NOTE: This clone has been offered in the past as ssp.
arboreum or just arboreum. Its flower color and hardiness leads me
to place it within the current taxon. However, the shiny silver
indumentum is that of ssp. arboreum. This clone could be an
intermediate or even 'hybrid' between the two subspecies.
70/046 WOOD ((5?\R1\6). Flowers white flushed rose with a few maroon
flecks.
80/103 (arboreum ssp. campbelliae) KLT (+15)
84/074 (arboreum) LOG (0). A form with delicate clear pink
flowers.
94/083 BB#8801:Berg (0\R1\6). This clone grown from seed collected
wild by Warren Berg at 12,400 ft. on the Thrumseng La in Bhutan.
499sd97 SEH#512:RSBG (0\R1\6). My own collection from 10,800
ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya. I did not see these plants in flower
513sd1997 SEH#527:RSBG (0\R1\6). My own collection from 9,000 ft.
in the Sikkim Himalaya from a plant with carmine-pink flowers.
549sd1997 SEH#563:RSBG (0\R1\6). My own collection from 9,000 ft.
in the Sikkim Himalaya from a plant with deep red flowers.
arboreum ssp. cinnamomeum var. roseum
Arborea
Large rounded to upright evergreen shrubs or trees (40 ft. or more)
with stiff lanceolate foliage. Differs from ssp. cinnamomeum var.
cinnamomeum in the paler, more compacted unistrate indumentum
on the undersides of the leaves. The flowers (mid- to late
spring) are white, pink, carmine or red. Found at higher
elevations than ssp. arboreum and thus generally hardier.
Completely intergrades with both ssp. arboreum and ssp.
delavayi. An impressive plant in both foliage and flower.
Native to open forests and rocky slopes from 8,000 to 13,000
ft. in E Nepal, NE India, Bhutan, and S Tibet.
64/118 Leonardslee (0\R1\6). Rose in bud, opening to rose
(55B) flowers with darker pink flecks and basal blotching. Our
best "hardy" pink arboreum. NOTE: This clone has been offered
in the past as ssp. arboreum or just arboreum. Its flower
color and hardiness leads me to place it within the current
taxon. However, the shiny silver indumentum is that of ssp.
arboreum. This clone could be an intermediate or even hybrid
between the two subspecies.
71/406 (arboreum var. album) LOC: UBCP (0). White flowered form.
76/372 (arboreum var. album) TRW: WEB (0). White flowered form.
76/159 BOD (0). Trusses of rose-pink flowers.
94/083 BB#8801:Berg (0\R1\6). This clone grown from seed
collected wild by Warren Berg at 12,400 ft. on the Thrumseng
La in Bhutan.
513sd1997 SEH#527:RSBG (0\R1\6). My own collection from 9,000 ft.
in the Sikkim Himalaya from a plant with carmine-pink flowers.
511sd97 SEH#525:RSBG (0\R1\6). My own collection from assorted
plants in a large population at 9,000 ft. in the Sikkim
Himalaya. NOTE: I mistakenly sold these seedlings as ssp.
arboreum in last year's catalog.
552sd97 SEH#566:RSBG (0\R1\6). My own collection from 9,000
ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya from a group of plants with the
best red flowers observed on the expedition. NOTE: I
mistakenly sold these seedlings as ssp. arboreum in last
year's catalog.
549sd1997 SEH#563:RSBG (0\R1\6). Grown from my
collection of seed at 9,000 ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya
from a plant with deep red flowers.
arboreum ssp. delavayi var. delavayi
Arborea
This subspecies represents the Chinese or eastern version of
R. arboreum. It grows as a large shrub and does not attain the
tree-like proportions of the Himalayan arboreum. The flowers are
typically deep crimson to carmine and very attractive in mid- to
late spring. The leaves are glossy with deeply impressed veins
above and a spongy white to fawn indumentum beneath. A widespread
variety occurring in various habitats from 5,000 to 11,000 ft. in
a range extending from NE India, Burma and SW China to Thailand
and Vietnam.
73/345 (delavayi) (+15)Crarae (+15)
77/80246sd95 PW#91:RSBG (+10?\R1\6). Grown from seed collected
wild at 5,430 ft. in Guizhou Province, China
arboreum ssp. nilagiricum
Arborea
This subspecies is quite interesting in that it occurs only in the
mountains of S India, far from any other rhododendrons excluding
R. arboreum ssp. zeylanicum which occurs on the island of Sri Lanka.
Subspecies nilagiricum is very similar to ssp. zeylanicum in it's
bullate and convex leaves with a spongy yellow-brown indumentum on
the undersides although the leaves of the former are less rounded.
It also shares similar stunning deep crimson to pink flowers but
blooms later (late spring to early summer) than ssp. zeylanicum.
Kenneth Cox, who has observed this subspecies in the wild on
numerous occasions, places it as intermediate between ssp.
zeylanicum and ssp. delavayi. Occurs from 6,000 to 7,250 ft. in
fairly hot and exposed situations. Should be an ideal species
for areas normally considered too hot and dry for rhododendron
cultivation.
171sd96 RSBG (+10?\R1\6). Quite rare in cultivation, these are
grown from seed collected wild by Ken Cox in the Nilagiri Hills
of southern India. Our first offering of this interesting and
beautiful species.
arboreum ssp. zeylanicum
Arborea
Slow-growing small trees to 30 ft. Late season flowers (June-
July) are red to crimson-rose or carmine. With bullate leaves and
fawn to tawny indumentum, spongy to the touch. A geographically
isolated subspecies in the southern most extension of R.
arboreum. Found in mountainous regions from 3,000 to 8,000 ft.
Sri Lanka
76/225 (zeylanicum) BRO: WEB (+15). Red Flowers
argipeplum
Barbata
Large upright shrubs with bristly branchlets and smooth,
peeling reddish bark. A compact and rounded inflorescence of
scarlet to crimson flowers in early spring. This species is
very similar to the widely grown barbatum, really differing
only in the presence of a thin indumentum on the lower leaf
surface. Attractive and interesting bristly petioles and
reddish new growth. A choice long-lived species for the
woodland garden with ornamental foliage, flowers and bark.
Native to forests from 8,000 to 13,000 ft. in NE India (Sikkim
& Arunachal Pradesh), Bhutan and SE Tibet.
567sd1997 SEH#581:RSBG (0 to +5\R1\6). Grown from my
collection of seed at 10,800 ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya.
Beautiful foliage.
Subsection
Argyrophylla
These are seedlings grown from seed collected at around 9,000
ft. in the Jin Pin Mountains of S Sichuan Province, China.
This was a very rich area with numerous species of
Rhododendron. These will probably turn out to be R.
argyrophyllum itself but there was such variation in this
species in the entire region that we were hesitant to put a
solid name on these collections in the field without seeing
the flowers. These should be hardy and long-lived plants with
attractive pink to white flowers.
426sd96 SEH#078:RSBG (0'\R1'\5'). An interesting taxon with
the appearance of the newly introduced R. longipes but with
the white indumentum on the lower surface of the leaves one
would expect from R. argyrophyllum.
445sd96 SEH#107:RSBG (0'\R1'\5'). Probably R. argyrophyllum
ssp. argyrophyllum but could be something new as the area is
almost unexplored and several other new species were collected
there. Vigorous, attractive plants.
argyrophyllum ssp. argyrophyllum
Argyrophylla
The typical species forms a large shrub or a small tree with leaves
smooth above and a thin compacted white to silvery or fawn
indumentum beneath. The flowers (mid- to late spring) are white
to deep rose, often with some spots. Long-lived, hardy and easy
in cultivation, this species is lovely as a specimen plant or in
the woodland garden. Native to China (Sichuan, NE Yunnan, S Shaanxi,
W Hubei & Guizhou) where it occurs in forests and on rocky slopes
from 5,000 to 12,700 ft.
76/003 JHC (0). Deep pink flowers with darker flecks on
upper lobe.
77/654 (argyrophyllum var. cupulare) Wilson 4275: WGP (0). A
form with silvery-white felted indumentum and late season
cup-shaped light pink flowers.
404sd96 SEH#055:RSBG ((5\R1\6). Grown from seed collected
wild at 10,300 ft. in the Daliang Shan of Sichuan Province,
China. In this area the plants were probably all referable
to ssp. argyrophyllum and grew as trees up to 25 ft. in height.
I did not see the flowers.
argyrophyllum ssp. hypoglaucum
Argyrophyllum
This subspecies differs from ssp. argyrophyllum only in botanical
details. Specifically in that the ovaries and pedicels of ssp.
hypoglaucum are glandular whereas those of ssp. argyrophyllum are
without glands. Native to E Sichuan & W Hubei, China from 5,000 to
9,000 ft.
75/067 (hypoglaucum) Wakehurst (0). White flowers.
80/119 REU:HERG ((5\R1\4). This clone forms an amazing rounded
mass of glossy dark green foliage. Ideal as a specimen plant
with foliage completely covering the plant from the ground up.
argyrophyllum ssp. nankingense
Argyrophylla
This subspecies differs from ssp. argyrophyllum in having larger
flowers and a shinier and more rugulose (deeply impressed veins)
upper leaf surface. Native to the Fanjin Shan of Guizhou Province,
China where it occurs around 7,500 ft.
64/014 'Chinese Silver' WIND ((5\R1\4). Clear pink flowers
on this 1957 AM clone.
73/008 SUN: CHP (-5). Deep pink flowers with crimson spots.
argyrophyllum ssp. omeiense
Argyrophylla
Shrubs, 10 to 16 ft. Flowers (May) are white with deep rose
spots. Leaves with fawn indumentum. A rare geographical variant
found only on Mt. Omei in Sichuan Province growing in forested
ravines and on rocky slopes at 6,000 ft. China
79/155 Hu 8189: UW 808-47-UWA (0)
arizelum
Falconera
Large, widely spreading evergreen shrubs, often forming
flat-topped trees with age. The attractive leaves are
oblanceolate to obovate in shape and up to 10 inches in length
with a thick and woolly, brown to red-brown indumentum on the
lower surface. The flowers (early to mid-spring) are quite
variable in color, ranging from cream to yellow, pink, apricot
and crimson. One of the finest of the hardy big-leaves. Native
from NE India to upper Burma, SE Tibet and NW Yunnan, China
where it occurs primarily in forests from 10,000 to 14,500 ft.
65/335 'Brodick' Brodick (+5\R1\4). Deep lavender-pink
flowers with a darker blotch on this famous 1963 Award of
Merit form with a deep red-brown indumentum. Rare.
417sd1998 CCHH#8140:RSBG (+5\R1\4). Grown from my
collection of seed at 11,150 ft. on the
Salween/Irrawaddy divide in NW Yunnan, China. Most of
the plants observed in bloom in this same region in 2000
were deep pink fading to white. Rare.
armitii
Solenovireya
Tropical evergreen shrubs with rounded elliptical leaves in
pseudowhorls. The fragrant flowers are white flushed sea-shell
pink with a long tubular corolla and abruptly flared lobes
(salverform). Native to a small area of Papua New Guinea from
7,800 to 8,850 ft. near the summits of Mt. Dayman & Mt. Simpson
in the Owen Stanley Mountains.
87/037 Woods#2494:RBGE (+32\R2\?). This clone from the original
wild collection of this species. Very rare in cultivation.
asterochnoum
Fortunea
A newly introduced species, closely related to R. calophytum.
This species differs in the whitish to fawn stellate
indumentum on the lower surface of the leaves (primarily on
the main veins and midrib). It forms a small tree with large
leaves and white flushed rose flowers with a dark red basal
blotch. During an expedition to China in 1995, I observed this
species growing on and among huge boulders in a deep ravine at
9,000 ft. in S Sichuan. This ravine was located in a limestone
mountain range near the Yangtze river and was an exceedingly
rich area for plants. Attractive large leaves. Native to C & S
Sichuan, China where it grows in forests from 10,000 to 12,000
ft.
432sd96 SEH#093:RSBG (0\R1\6). One of the most exciting new
introductions in years. Grown from seed collected wild in the
location described above, these plants are already developing
their indumentum. A must-have for the collector.
atlanticum
Pentanthera (Azalea)
Deciduous stoloniferous shrubs to 5 ft., though generally less.
Flowers (May-June) are white, or white flushed pink or purple and
fragrant. Forms thick colonies with underground horizontal stems
in its native habitat from Georgia to southeastern Pennsylvania.
Leaves often glaucous blue turning orange in autumn. Found in
sandy forests in coastal areas. E USA
73/010 HTS 10024-S: USNA (-10) Collected in Kent County,
Delaware. Fragrant white flowers.
74/133 PH (-10)
76/275 HTS 550: USNA (-10). Propagated from a plant
collected in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Flowers white
flushed pink and scented.
81/075 Biltmore (-10) Fragrant, tall form.
45sd2000 RSBG (- 15\R1\3). These are seedlings from a cross
between two clones with white flushed rose flowers here in the.
augustinii ssp. augustinii
Triflora
Large upright-growing evergreen shrubs with a distinctively
hairy midrib on the undersurface of the leaves. A widely-grown
and floriferous species with variably colored flowers. These
appear in mid-spring in shades of blue to lavender or purple,
pinkish or white, typically with reddish, purple or green
spots and/or a blotch. A popular species, especially the blue
forms which are quite spectacular. Easily cultivated, blooming
well in shady as well as fairly exposed situations. Native to
China (Hubei & Sichuan) where it occurs in various open
situations from 4,000 to 11,000 ft.
63/005 Windsor (0\R1\6). Deep lavender flowers with a white
flushed upper lobe and gold-green flecks. One of our best forms.
64/057 'Barto Blue' Barto (0\R1\6). Lavender flowers with gold
flecks on this excellent selection.
64/206 'Electra' Brandt:Walker (0\R1\6). This 1940 AM form is
actually a cross between ssp. augustinii and ssp. chasmanthum.
Lavender flowers flushed red-purple on the outside, green flecks.
75/131 GAB (-5). Form with grey-lavender flowers and gold
spotted nectar guides.
75/278 (vilmorinianum) WGP: UBC (-5). White faintly tinted
pink flowers with gold spots. Described from cultivated
plants by Bayley Balfour and other and is possibly a garden
hybrid between R. augustinii and R. yunnanense. Included for
historical interest.
75/309 'Barto Blue' CHP (-5). Pale lavender flowers with
purple stamens and style. American selection, equals the
imports in blueness, with added hardiness.
77/207 GVW (0)
77/286 Pierce (0\R1\6). The unregistered 'Whalley form' with dark
lavender flowers and gold-green flecks. Very nice.
77/789 JHC (0). Deep violet-purple flowers, one of the most
frequently praised plants in the study garden.
80/043 BH (0). A form with pale blue-lavender flowers.
92/075 BERG (0\R1\6).A clone grown from seed collected in the wild.
368sd96 SEH#018:RSBG (0 to - 5\R1\6). My own collection from
11,000 ft. in S Sichuan, China. I did not see these plants in
bloom.
augustinii ssp. chasmanthum
Triflora
Large and upright evergreen shrubs. This subspecies differs
from ssp. augustinii primarily in its wider leaves and more
widely funnel-shaped flowers. The flowers (mid-spring) are
purple, blue, white or pink, with a greenish to reddish blotch
and/or spots. An easily grown, vigorous and floriferous plant.
This subspecies is native to the west of ssp. augustinii in SE
Tibet, W Sichuan and Yunnan, China where it occurs in various
habitats from 7,200 to 12,000 ft.
69/092 SUNningdale (0\R1\6). Of particular garden value for
its late lavender flowers marked yellow to white. An award
form. FCC 1932
augustinii ssp. hardyi
Triflora
This subspecies differs from ssp. augustinii primarily in its
deciduous foliage and white to greenish white flowers with
yellow-green spots in mid-spring. Fairly rare in cultivation
and seldom available. Found in E Tibet and NW Yunnan, China
where it occurs from 11,000 to 12,000 ft.
78/065 (hardyi) Cox-WEB (0). White flowers with a yellow
center.For the serious collector.
aureum var. aureum
Pontica
Prostrate to mounding dwarf shrubs with a creeping habit. This
species is quite distinctive and unusual in that it is a dwarf
alpine elepidote. Thus it has the same type of leaves and
flowers as the "typical rhododendron" most people are familiar
with instead of the smaller scaly leaves and flowers seen on
most dwarf alpine species. The leaves are quite variable in
shape and smooth on both surfaces. The flowers (early spring)
are in the shape of a wide-open bell and vary in color from
cream to pale yellow, often with darker spots. A rarely
cultivated species ideal for the rock garden and performing
well even in light shade. Extremely hardy and relatively slow
growing, this species is native over a wide area of N Asia
including Siberia, N China & N Japan. It is quite common in
the wild and covers large areas of open slopes in some
portions of its range. Occurs from 5,000 to 9,000 ft.
64/208 (chrysanthum) GRE: MVW (-10) Obovate, almost round leaves.
76/109 (chrysanthum) WEB (-10). A prostrate form with light
yellow flowers with a pale pink blush at the base.
from northern Japan.
76/194 RBG (-10). Collected in Siberia, form with yellow
flowers.
208sd1998 RSBG (- 15\R2\1.5 wide). These are seedlings grown
from seed collected wild near Nagano, Japan.
auriculatum
Auriculata
Rounded shrubs or small trees to 25 ft. Distinguished for its
late season flowers (July-August) that are white or creamy-white
to rose and very fragrant. Distinctive leaves, oblong to oblong-
oblanceolate, with the base auriculate, or 'eared'. Tolerant of
most east coast climates. Common in the provinces of eastern
Sichuan, western Hubei, and northeastern Guizhou. Native in dense
woods to rocky slopes at 1,600 to 7,500 ft. China
67/698 BOD (-5). An award form with pure white, fragrant
flowers in July. AM 1922
81/025 GRE: UBCP (-5). Pink flowers.
26sd2000 RSBG (- 5\R1\5). Seedlings from hand pollinated seed
from our best form (1967/698 - the 1922 AM form from Bodnant).
A fantastic species, the last to bloom here in the garden.
Quite easy
auriculatum affinity ?
Fortunea
These are seedlings grown from seed collected wild at 4,800 ft.
in the Dalou Shan region of northern Guizhou Province, China.
This may be R. auriculatum or a closely related or even new taxon.
R. auriculatum is a highly desirable species with large attractive
foliage and magnificent large and fragrant, white to light pink
flowers in mid- to late summer. The seed was collected as davidii
aff. from a large tree about 45 ft. high growing in a rhododendron
forest on a SW facing slope.
221sd95 PW#52:RSBG (0?\R1\6). Large vigorous seedlings.
aurigeranum
Vireya
Tree like growth up to 8 ft. Flowers (variable) are deep pure
yellow or pale orange. Can have up to 17 flowers per truss on
mature plants. Native to New Guinea from 3,000 to 5,700.
78/104 H. Winters-FM (+32). Deep pure yellow flowers, up to
17 per truss.
auritum
Tephropepla
Erect but relatively small-growing evergreen shrubs with
attractive peeling reddish bark. The pale yellow to cream,
tubular bell-shaped flowers are often flushed with pink and
occur in dense clusters of three to seven in early spring. A
beautiful but rarely seen species requiring excellent
drainage, probably fairly heat tolerant. So far known only
from the Tsangpo Gorge in SE Tibet where it occurs on cliffs
and stream banks from 7,000 to 8,500 ft. A personal favorite.
65/269 Lochinch (+10). Shining reddish brown stems harmonize
with gold-flecked leaves and straw yellow flowers.
84/048 Strone (+5\R1\5). Creamy yellow flower
austrinum
Pentanthera (Azalea)
Upright deciduous shrubs to 12 ft. Flowers (May) are yellow to
orange or reddish-orange and usually fragrant. Found in woods and
on streambanks from northwest Florida and the Georgia-Alabama
coastal plains to southeastern Mississippi at lower elevations SE
USA
76/276 HTS 96: USNA (+5). Yellow flowers striped red
outside. Collected wild in Walton County, Florida.
83/082 'Moonbeam' Varnadoe (- 10\R1\6). Saffron yellow
lowers deepening to vermilion at the base of the tube.
83/083 VAR (0). Buff-colored flowers.
83/084 VAR (0). Apricot colored flowers.
83/086 VAR (0). Peach colored flowers.
83/087 VAR (0). Flowers are an egg yellow.
bachii
Azaleastrum
Shrubs, 20 to 20 ft. Flowers (April) are pale to deep rose or
lavender. Found in thickets, scrub, and on forest margins in a
subtropical habitat from 4,000 to 11,000 ft. China
79/157 UCB (+15). Form with light lavender flowers.
baileyi
Baileya
Shrubs, 1 to 6 ft. Usually striking flowers (April) are magenta
to purple, often spotted. Native to moist rocks and dry scree of
hillsides at 10,000 to 14,000 ft. India, Bhutan, China
64/146 L&S 2869: GLN (+5). Form with intense purple flowers.
75/035 K&P (+5). Dense growth habit with intense purple flat
faced flowers.
bainbridgeanum
Selensia
Shrubs, 3 to 6 ft. Campanulate flowers (April) are white, creamy-
white flushed pink or rose, creamy yellow, or pink to red-pink,
often spotted with purple and with or without a broad blotch.
Obovate to elliptic-shaped leaves with a tawny to brown-colored
indumentum on the undersurface. Many different forms have been
collected in the wild where it ranges among boulders, on cliffs,
in open thickets of scrub and on the edges of coniferous
woodlands from 10,000 to 13,000 ft. China, NE Upper Burma
66/535 Forrest 21821: RBG (-5). Form with soft. pink
flowers.
77/634 R 59184: WEB (+5)/ Creamy yellow flowers.
bakeri
Pentanthera (Azalea)
Twiggy deciduous shrubs to 8 ft. Flowers (June-July) are orange
to red. A valuable garden addition for its summer flowers. Native
of the Cumberland Plateau in Kentucky to northern Georgia and
Alabama. Found in open woodlands at higher elevations up to 4,100
ft. E USA
73/019 ('Camps Red') HTS: USNA (-15). Intense orange-red
flowers.
balfourianum
Taliensia
Rounded and compact-growing evergreen shrubs. The leaves are
ovate-lanceolate to somewhat elliptic in shape with a dense
and shiny silvery to pale brownish indumentum on the lower
surface. The flowers (mid-spring) are rose to pink or
purplish. A free-blooming species with showy flowers, this is
one of the best all-around garden plants in subsection
Taliensia. It has attractive foliage, hardiness and is
generally easier in cultivation than most of its relatives.
Native to W Yunnan and SW Sichuan, China where it occurs in
various montane habitats from 10,000 to 15,000 ft.
477sd97 JN#567:RSBG (- 10\R1\3). Grown from seed collected
from plants with "clear bright pink flowers" at 12,140 ft. in
the Shika Shan of Zhongdian, NW Yunnan, China. NOTE: comparable
seedlings from similar Nielsen collections made in the same
location will be substituted as necessary
70/081 CHP (-5)
76/169 (balfourianum var. aganniphoides ') CHP (-5). Pink in
bud opening white. Phetteplace ('10\R1\3). Rose bud
76/251 Benmore (0). A medium sized shrub to 8 ft.
barbatum
Barbata
Large evergreen shrubs or small trees with an upright,
well-branched habit and beautiful exfoliating reddish to
purple bark. The dark green leaves typically have a bristly
petiole and are quite attractive against the colorful flowers
and bark. The brilliant red to crimson or scarlet flowers
(very early to mid-spring) are in a dense round inflorescence.
Easy in cultivation and spectacular in a woodland setting. A
widespread and common species in the Himalayas where it occurs
in various habitats from 8,000 to 12,000 ft.
64/026 Windsor Great Park (0).
64/027 Windsor Great Park (0). Pure red trusses and larger
lighter green leaves than usual.
65/304 CRA (0 to +5\R1\5). Long-lasting deep red flowers
in early spring. One of our finest forms.
70/018 WW (+10). Deeply impressed leaf veins create a bold foliage
effect.
70/049 CS (0). A form with pure red flowers.
92/029 BB#8808:Berg (0 to +5\R1\4). This clone grown from
seed collected by Warren Berg at 11,420 ft. in Bhutan.
512sd97 SEH#526:RSBG (0 to +5\R1\4). My own collection from
9,850 ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya.
493sd1997 SEH#506:RSBG (0 to +5\R1\4). My own collection from
10,700 ft. in the West Bengal Himalaya, India.
532sd1997 SEH#546:RSBG (0 to +5\R1\4). My own collection from
11,100 ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya.
beanianum
Neriiflora
Rounded evergreen shrubs with ascending bristly branches. Very
attractive foliage, shiny and rugulose on the upper surface, with
a thick cinnamon brown indumentum on the lower. The fleshy bell-
shaped flowers (late winter to mid-spring) are deep red or scarlet
to carmine. One of the first species to bloom in the garden each
year. This species seems to have a very limited range in the wild
and has only been found in a small area of NE India (Arunachal
Pradesh) and adjacent NE Upper Burma where it occurs in various
high montane habitats from 9,000 to 11,000 ft.
73/027 GRE - WW (+10). A form with blood-red flowers in
April.
76/005 JHC (+10). Form with red flowers.
77/217 ROBB (+5\R2\3). Carmine-rose flowers (52C). This is
probably the same clone that we offered last year under the
accession number 74/115.
77/683 HOR: BRO (+10)
beesianum
Taliensia
Erect-growing, large evergreen shrubs or small trees with
sticky buds. A close relative of the well-known
yellow-flowered R. lacteum, this species differs in its white,
pink, rose or reddish flowers, often with spots and/or a
blotch. The leaves have a thin compacted indumentum of gray to
brownish hairs on the underside. This is a very common species
where it occurs in the wild but is rarely seen in cultivation,
as it is rather difficult to grow and propagate. A
slow-growing, beautiful species worth attempting in cool
maritime gardens with excellent drainage. Like lacteum, it
prefers a partially shaded position. Native to SW China (NW
Yunnan & SW Sichuan), SE Tibet and NE Upper Burma where it
occurs in coniferous forests around treeline from 10,000 to
14,500 ft. A rarely offered collector's plant.
78/044 CHP (0)
271sd97 AC#1821:RSBG (- 5\R3\3). Vigorous seedlings grown from
seed collected in the wild.
278sd97 JN#008:RSBG (- 5\R3\3). Grown from seed collected at
12,800 ft. near Zhongdian in NW Yunnan, China.
360sd1997 JN#009:RSBG (- 5\R3\3). Grown from seed collected
wild by Jens Nielsen at 12,900 ft. near Zhongdian, Yunnan, China.
blackii
Euvireya
Large tropical evergreen shrubs with rounded, almost sessile
(lacking a petiole) leaves in whorls of three around the stems.
The new growth is covered with golden brown scales and the tubular
funnel-shaped flowers are red. Native to Papua New Guinea where it
occurs terrestrially and occasionally epiphytically from 8,200 to 11,150 ft.
88/044 KOR (+32). This clone from seed collected at 11,000 ft.
in Papua New Guinea by the Aust. Rhod. Soc. Exp.,
brachyanthum var. brachyanthum
Glauca
Shrubs to 6 ft. Flowers (June) are pale or greenish-yellow. Very
aromatic leaves. Found on steep rocky hillsides usually in scrub
or thickets at 10,000 to 11,000 ft. China
76/095 FR (+10)
brachyanthum ssp. hypolepidotum
Glauca
Low, dense and mounding evergreen shrubs with peeling bark.
The fragrant leaves are dark green on the upper surface and
glaucous white with pale golden scales on the lower surface.
The pale yellow flowers (early summer) are bell-shaped and
hang in clusters on long thin pedicels from the tips of the
branches. A rare species in cultivation, useful for the
unusually colored flowers late in the season and its
interesting foliage. Native to NW Yunnan, NE Burma and SE
Tibet where it occurs in scrub areas and open forests from
9,000 to 14,500 ft. A rarely offered, charming species.
68/752 Creech (0\R1\3). Pale yellow flowers.
76/096 Robbins (0\R1\3). Pale yellow flowers.
brachycarpum ssp. brachycarpum
Pontica
Rounded evergreen shrubs. Foliage with a thin compacted gray to fawn
indumentum beneath. The flowers are white or yellowish to pink or deep
rose, usually with brownish green spots and flushed green.
Late-blooming (early to mid-summer) and hardy, with the Korean material
Tigerstedtii Group) being perhaps the most cold hardy rhododendron in
cultivation (to '45'). Occurs as an understory shrub in forests at
elevations below 5,000 ft. or on rocky slopes and lava flows,
usually above tree line, from 5,500 to 7,500 ft. Native to N Japan,
the south end of the Kurile Islands, and Korea.
75/132 GAB (-20). Form with yellow flowers.
76/095 FR (+10)
79/056 WEB (-20)
82/184 ('Roseum') Tue Jorgensen
82/109 ("var. tigerstedtii") MUS ((45').
156sd94 94ARS#17:RSBG ((20\R1\4). Grown from seed collected
wild on Cape Elimo, Japan from plants with pink flowers.
250sd1996 YK#(S9502):RSBG ('20\R1\4). Grown from seed collected
wild at 6,550 ft. on the island of Honshu, Japan.
566sd1996 96ARS#283:RSBG ('20\R1\4). Grown from seed collected wild
on Cape Elimo, Japan from a plant with pink flowers.
169sd1998 HC#970202:RSBG ('20\R1\4). Grown from seed collected
wild at 3,227 ft. on Ullungdo Island, Korea.
brachycarpum ssp. faurei
Pontica
Shrubs to 10 ft. Flowers (May-June) are pink to white with
greenish flecks. Found among conifers on rocky slopes or above
tree line at 5,500 to 7,500 ft. Japan, Korea
66/539 (faurei) RBG (-20). A reliably blooming form with
light pink flowers.
bracteatum
Heliolipida
Shrubs to 7 ft. Flowers (June-July) are white with many reddish
spots. Found in woodlands and on cliffs at 11,000 ft. China
7/133 Wilson 4253: RBG (-5). Form with white flushed light
rose flowers.
breviperulatum
Tsutsusi (Azalea)
Semi-evergreen shrubs to 4 ft. Flowers (spring) are reddish and
variable. Recently introduced into this country, found in
mountain forests of Taiwan.
82/088 USDA 352582-Bovee Nursery (+32)
brookeanum
Euvireya (Vireya)
Large tropical evergreen shrubs or small trees. The thick and
stiff, glossy green, oblong to lanceolate-oblong leaves are
often highlighted with a red margin. The large and
spectacular, funnel-shaped flowers are quite variable in
color, ranging from orange with a white throat to golden
yellow to red with a yellow throat. A relatively easily grown
species typically blooming in the winter. Native to Borneo and
Sumatra where it occurs as an epiphyte from sea level to 5,000
ft.
78/098 FM (+32). Orange-red flowers with yellow throat.
82/210 Boskoop (+32\R2\4). This clone collected on Mt.
Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo.
bryophilum
Phaeovireya
Tropical shrubs to 6 ft. Tubular flowers (variable flowering time)
are pink to pale salmon. Native to the Cycloop Mountains,
New Guinea and epiphytic in forests from 3,500 to 6,000 ft.
80/141 BOS ((32). Propagated from a plant found in the Cycloop
Mountains, New Guinea. Soft pink flowers. 6-10",
bureavii
Taliensia
Large evergreen shrubs or small trees with densely woolly
leaves and young branches. One of the finest foliage plants in
the genus with pinkish brown indumentum on the upper and lower
surfaces of the emerging foliage. This is retained on the
lower surface and young stems, changing to a reddish brown as
it matures. The white flushed pink to pink flowers appear in
mid-spring and are sometimes spotted with purple or crimson.
Best in shade as the foliage scorches in hot sunny exposures.
Native to N Yunnan, China where it occurs from 10,000 to
12,750 ft. in forests, rhododendron thickets and open alpine
slopes. A classic species for every collection
75/011 Hilliers (- 10\R1\4). White flushed rose flowers
with magenta flecks.
75/081 Exbury (-10). An award of merit form, 1939.
75/138 BRA - FR (-10). Form with white flowers.
76/190 RBG (-10) Early flowers open light pink with purple
spots from rose-colored buds.
83/036 BEN - TJ (-10). Form with white flowers.
84/147 H.L. Larson (-10) White flushed pink flowers.
544sd95 ("cruentum") CNW#957:Sinclair (- 10\R1\4). Grown from
seed collected wild as R. cruentum, a former species which has
been lumped into R. bureavii due to a complete intergradation
of characteristics between the two taxa. Attractive foliage.
bureavioides
Taliensia
After numerous observations of wild populations in Sichuan, this
species has been reinstated as distinct from the more southern
R. bureavii (Yunnan). It differs from that species in its
distinctly shorter petiole and lack of hairs on the ovary and
style. It is quite different in appearance from its closely
related southern counterpart and makes a very impressive specimen
with its large, woolly and reddish brown indumented, short-
stemmed leaves. The flowers are white to rose and generally
larger than those of bureavii. Native to W Sichuan, China where
it is often quite common in a wide variety of habitats from 10,000
to 11,500 ft. An outstanding new introduction.
93sd351 JS#9003:RSBG ((10?\R1\4). Grown from seed collected
wild in Sichuan Province, China at 11,650 ft. Beautiful foliage
on these extra large plants.
burmanicum
Maddenia
Shrubs to 6 ft. Flowers (April) are yellow to greenish-yellow,
sometimes scented. A fine semi-dwarf for the mildest gardens.
Limited distribution in the wild. Found along edges of forest on
Mt. Victoria from 9,000 to 10,000 ft.
81/118 KW 21921 - JB - EK (+20). Form with yellow, fragrant
flowers.
83/164 WGP (+20)
burtii
Euvireya (Vireya)
Small shrubs to 2.5 ft. Flowers (variable flowering time) are
bright red and are thought to be pollinated by small birds.
Leaves, in pseudowhorls, are obovate in shape, with the margins
slightly recurved, and the main vein impressed. Epiphytic in sub-
mountain tropical forests from 5,000 to 5,300 feet. Found in the
states of Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Boreno.
87/039 GA 821527: RBG (+32). Flowers vermillion in color.
caesium
Trichoclada
Compact but upright-growing evergreen to semi-evergreen shrubs
with aromatic foliage. The oval somewhat bristly leaves are blue-
green above and glaucous-white below. The funnel bell-shaped
flowers (mid- to late spring) are greenish yellow to pale yellow
with green spots. Rarely seen in cultivation but an interesting
and attractive plant. Native to the western half of Yunnan Province,
China where it occurs from 8,000 to 10,000 ft. on rocky slopes.
76/134 F#26798:RBGE (+5\R1\4). Yellow flowers with gold-green
flecks and crimson-tipped lobes.
calendulaceum
Pentanthera (Azalea)
Large upright deciduous shrubs with attractive and brightly colored
flowers in late spring. The funnel-shaped flowers of this azalea are
quite large and variable in color. Ranging from orange to red and
even yellow, typically with a blotch. An outstanding garden plant
for sun or light shade. Native primarily to the Appalachian Mountains
of the eastern USA where it occurs in forests and in rocky openings.
Found from 600 to 5,000 ft. but typically at the upper end of this
range.
77/650 GRI (-20) Large orange-flowered selection collected
near Barto, West Virginia
81/076 BIL (-20). A polyploid orange form.
82/077 'Burning Light' WGB: UBC (0). Flowers coral-red with
orange throats. AM 1965.
366sd1997 97ARS#478:RSBG ('25\R1\5). These are grown from seed
collected wild in Kanawha Co., West Virginia.
caliginis
Phaeovireya (Vireya)
Shrubs with long, narrow, straight-sided leaves covered with
dense brown scales. Flowers (variable flowering time) are pink,
cream, or lavender. Found in tropical rain forests in eastern
areas on the island of New Guinea, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
89/003 FRD (+32). Recently collected by Fran Rutherford in
Papua New Guinea.
callimorphum ssp. callimorphum
Campyulocarpa
Shrubs, 2 to 6 ft. Flowers (April-May) are white to rose-pink,
sometimes with purple flecks and blotch. Free flowering from an
early age. Native to thickets and rocky slopes at 9,000 to 11,000
ft. China
66/541 RBG (0). A form with small rounded leaves and white
flowers with a crimson blotch.
76/093 JHC (0). Pink flowers highlighted red at the base.
86/001 JS (0). Deep pink flowers.
callimorphum var. myiagrum
Camplocarpa
Shrubs, 2 to 6 ft. Flowers (April-May) are white and may have
purple flecks or a faint blotch. Native to open rocky slopes and
on cliffs from 10,000 to 13,000 ft. China
66/541 RBG (0). A form with small rounded leaves and white
flowers with a crimson blotch.
calophytum var. calophytum
Fortunea
Large wide-spreading evergreen shrubs or small trees with leaves up
to one foot in length. A spectacular specimen plant with flowers borne
in a large showy inflorescence. These appear in early to mid-spring
and are white, rose, pink or rarely purple, with purple flecks and a
basal blotch. A relatively cold and heat tolerant species. Native to
forests and thickets from 6,000 to 13,000 ft. in C and E Sichuan and
NE Yunnan, China.
64/063 CHP- MVW (-10). An unusual pink flowered form with a
purple blotch.
77/130 ACB (-10). An unusual pink flowered form.
492sd1996 SEH#154:RSBG (0 to '10\R1\6). My own collection from
8,500 ft. in NE Yunnan, China. Beautiful large leaves. Both of
these collections are quite different in appearance from the
typically cultivated calophytum.
486sd1996 SEH#148:RSBG (0 to '10\R1\6). My own collection from
8,500 ft. in NE Yunnan, China. Really striking large leaves with
reddish petioles and midribs
calostrotum ssp. calostrotum
Saluenensia
A variable but generally low-growing and compact evergreen
species. The flowers (mid- to late spring) are rose-crimson to
rich purple with darker flecks on the upper lobes. The
attractive small leaves are bright glaucous blue-green on the
upper surface and are covered with dense brown scales below.
This subspecies and its relatives make excellent rock garden
plants. Found in stony alpine meadows and on cliffs from
10,500 to 14,000 ft. in N Burma and W Yunnan, China.
66/573 WIS (-5). A dwarf form with 3/4" leaves a striking
grey-green in spring and rose-crimson flowers.
74/059 'Gigha' GIG: GLE- (-5). An award form with large
rose-crimson flowers, and striking grey-green leaves. FCC 1971
83/109 ADM (-5). A form with-rose pink flowers.
247sd1998 AC#3011:RSBG (- 5\R1\1.5). These are seedlings
grown from Alan Clark's collection of seed on the Ziben
Shan at 10,800 ft.
calostrotum ssp. keleticum
Saluenensia
Dwarf, generally prostrate or mounding shrubs with small dark
shiny green leaves. The flowers are pale purple to purple-crimson
with crimson spots on the upper lobes in mid- to late spring.
This subspecies includes the former species radicans which is
generally considered to be the lowest growing "species" in the
genus. Most forms make excellent small-scale groundcovers and
rock garden plants. Native to SE Tibet and NW Yunnan, China
and NE Burma where it occurs in various alpine habitats from
11,000 to 15,000 ft.
66/595 (keleticum) GLE (-10). A form with flat faced purple
flowers.
73/156 ("keleticum") R#:HEN.J:BRY ((10\R1\1). Red-purple flowers
with darker flecks.
73/238 (syn. radicans) FRY: WW (-5). Rose-purple flowers.
75/196 (keleticum) Rock 58: CS (-10). A superior color form
collected by Dr. Rock, with purple-crimson flowers.
77/301 ("keleticum") ROBB ((10\R1\1). Lavender flowers with
darker flecks.
77/804 (radicans) ACB (-5). A form with a prostrate habit
and rose-lavender flowers.
473sd1998 CCHH#8201:RSBG (- 10\R1\1). Grown from my collection of
seed at 9,850 ft. from prostrate and creeping forms but the
seedlings seem to be forming mounds (like typical keleticum)
in their containers.
calostrotum ssp. riparium
Saluenensia
Dwarf shrubs to 5 ft. Flowers (May) are pink to purplish-magenta.
A variety of collections have produced a varying assemblage of
clones. Several different forms in cultivation from widely
varying native habitats. Found in hillsides often beside steams
and swamps at 10,000 to 15,000 ft. India, NE Burma, China
69/779 (calostrotum var. calciphilum) GLE - MVW (-5).
Smallest leaves and most compact growth with light pink
flowers.
73/199 (nitens) FR (-10). Form with light purple flowers.
80/084 (nitens) RBG Edinburgh (+5)
camelliiflorum
Camelliiflora
Open-growing to somewhat compact evergreen shrubs with peeling
reddish bark and densely scaly leaves and young stems. The
waxy flowers (early to mid-summer) are camellia-like with a
broad tube and widely spreading lobes. They range in color
from white to cream, pink or wine-red. A very distinct and
unusual species unrelated to any other. Rarely seen in
cultivation due to its smallish flowers and exacting
requirements for perfect drainage. Quite common in the wild
where it occurs epiphytically in large trees or on boulders
and cliffs. Native from 9,000 to 12,000 ft. in the eastern
Himalaya from E Nepal to Bhutan.
77/686 Brodick (+5'\R3\4). I have not recorded any data on the
flowering of this clone.
93/096 Selcer (+5'\R3\4). This clone grown from seed collected
wild at 10,000 ft. near Yaktse in the Sikkim Himalaya.
94/227 BB#8815:BERG (+5?\R3\4). This clone grown from seed
collected wild at 10,100 ft. in Bhutan.
campanulatum ssp. aeruginosum
Campanulata
Rounded evergreen shrubs with pink to lilac or purple flowers
in mid-spring, sometimes with darker flecks. This plant is
primarily grown for its beautiful foliage which is an amazing
glaucous metallic-blue on the upper surface. The lower
surface, in contrast, is covered with an orange-brown
indumentum making this one of the outstanding foliage plants
in the genus. Native to alpine slopes and subalpine meadows
from 12,000 to 14,500 ft. in the eastern Himalaya (Sikkim and
Bhutan) where it replaces ssp. campanulatum.
68/757 Collarino-MVW (-5). Purple flowers.
75/244 Berg ('10\R1\3). Purple flowers.
76/200 RBGE (- 10\R1\3). Purple flowers with bright glaucous
blue foliage. One of our best forms. $25.00
76/235 BROD ((5). Red-purple flowers. 4-6"
92/022 BB#8804:Berg (- 10\R1\3). This is a clone grown from
seed collected wild at 13,300 ft. on the Rudong La in Bhutan.
NOTE: Other accessions (clones) grown from this same
collection may be substituted if necessary. None have bloomed
and they are comparable in foliage quality
92/024 BB#8804:Berg ('10\R1\3). This is a clone grown from seed
collected wild by Warren Berg at 13,300 ft. on the Rudong La
in Bhutan.
84/078 K&P (-5).
campanulatum ssp. campanulatum
Campanulata
A variable species ranging in habit from compact shrubs to small
trees. The foliage is usually quite attractive with a dense fawn
to brownish indumentum on the underside. The flowers (mid- to late
spring) are white to rose-pink or rose-purple, often with darker
spots. A widespread and common Himalayan species occurring in a
wide variety of habitats from 9,500 to 13,500 ft. N India, Nepal,
Bhutan.
64/031 ('Knaphill') WGP (-5). An award form with lavender-
blue flowers. AM 1925
65/340 STO - UBC (-5). Flowers are pale lavender with faint
spotting.
74/053 ('Roland Cooper') Cooper 5768: RBG (-5). Deep rose-purple
buds open to exquisite pale lavender flowers with purple flecks.
Beautiful large leaves and extra large flowers on this rarely
offered Award of Merit clone (1964).
75/123 ('Waxen Bell') RBG (0). Purple flowers with darker
spots in an Award of Merit form, 1965.
campylocarpum ssp. caloxanthum
Campylocarpa
Small, rounded and compact-growing evergreen shrubs usually under
four feet in cultivation. The orbicular leaves are typically blue-green
in color. The bell-shaped flowers (mid-spring) are yellow to pale yellow.
An attractive 'dwarf' elepidote requiring excellent drainage and a bright
but not too hot position (the foliage may scorch in the hot afternoon sun).
Native to Upper Burma and adjacent areas of SE Tibet and NW Yunnan,
China where it occurs in various subalpine and alpine habitats from 11,000
to 13,000 ft.
65/522 (telopeum) KW 6868-Windsor (0). Blue-green leaves and deep
yellow buds open to light yellow flowers.
75/063 (caloxanthum) Forrest 27123: WAK (-5)
campylocarpum ssp. campylocarpum
Campylocarpa
Shrubs or small trees, 3 to 20 feet. Campanualate flowers (April-
May) are pale to bright yellow tinged with red in the bud, with
or without a crimson basal blotch. Leaves elliptic to oblong-
elliptic and glabrous at maturity. Found in mixed woodlands of
oak, birch, spruce often with other rhododendrons such as R.
campanulatum, in coniferous forests of fir or hemlock, and among
rocks on open hillsides from 9,500 to 14,000 ft. E Nepal, India
(Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Bhutan, China (S Tibet).
76/047 FR (+5)
76/307 TRE (0)
73/047 ROBB (+5). FCC 1892.
82/173 JORG (0')
411sd1997 CC#7541:RSBG (0\R1\4). These are grown from seed
collected wild by Peter & Kenneth Cox in SE Tibet.
544sd97 SEH#558:RSBG (0\R1\4). My own collection from 11,800
ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya.
555sd1997 SEH#569:RSBG (0\R1\4). My own collection from
10,600 ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya.
campylogynum
Campylogyna
Dwarf shrubs, 2 inches to 3 ft., occasionally to 4 ft. Flowers
(May) are pink to salmon-pink, red, claret, purple, plum to
almost black-purple, or cream. The campanulate blossoms resemble
small thimbles nodding at the end of long pedicels. Great
variation in foliage, flower and habit with many clones in
cultivation. Prostrate and compact forms are especially choice.
Found in a wide range of habitats including moorland, alpine
scrub, and cliff ledges from 9,000 to 14,000 ft. India (E
Arunachal Pradesh), N Burma, China (NW Yunnan, SE Tibet).
62/043 GLE (0). Salmon-pink flowers.
66/664 WW (0). Form with plum-purple bells elevated above
the foliage. Noted for its dense dwarf habit, like spreading
boxwood, growing to only twelve inches in as many years.
70/376 (var. myrtilloides) WIS - UBCP (0). The dwarfest form
with the smallest leaves and flowers. Flowers are plum-
purple.
74/061 'Bodnant Red' (Cremastum Group) Hydon (- 5\R1\3). An
upright, bushy clone with green undersides to the leaves and
unusual reddish flowers on this 1971 Award of Merit clone.
74/062 (campylogynum var. charopeum) GLE (0). Dusky pink flowers
with darker flecks.
74/063 (var. leucanthum) GLE (0). An award form with ivory-
white flowers. AM 1973
77/707 (var. haropoeum) RBG (0). Dwarf form with large one
inch pink flowers.
77/709 (var. myrtilloides) Forrest 18030: RBG (0). A very
dwarf form with light cherry flowers.
81/121 Tower Court:Glendoick ('5\R1\2). Rose-purple flowers with
a waxy bloom on this famous clone known as 'Claret' (an
unregistered name). A beautiful and floriferous plant.
82/159 (var. cremastum) HYD - JCB (0). Form with bright
reddish-purple flowers.
83/103 ADM (0). A form with pink flowers.
camtschaticum
Theororhodion
Dwarf to prostrate deciduous shrubs slowly spreading by
layering and underground runners to forms low dense mats. The
rounded and hairy leaves change to shades of orange, yellow or
red in the autumn. The rotate flowers (mid- to late spring)
are purple to deep rose, sometimes reddish or even white. Best
in cool summer climates and requiring excellent drainage.
Native to exposed areas along the N Pacific Rim (N Japan, E
Siberia, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, the Kurile Islands & W Alaska).
73/054 UBC (-15). Purple-rose flowers.
76/009 WEB (-15)
IJ-026 (-15). Seedlings from a reddish-pink form.
202sd96 RSBG (- 25\R3\6 inches). Blooming-sized plants grown
from seed from our typical purplish-flowered forms.
canadense
Rhodora (Azalea)
Deciduous shrubs to 3 ft. Flowers (April-May) are pale to deep
rose-purple or white. The most northerly of all North American
azaleas. Grows on river banks, in swamps, and woodlands. Found
in the provinces of Labrador, Newfoundland, and Quebec south
through the state of Maine to northern New Jersey and west into
Pennsylvania and central New York. Canada, USA
77/801 HLL: WWES (-30). Seedling selection with lavender-
purple flowers and good fall color.
78/034 JC: KWG (-30). White flowers.
canescens
Pentanthera (Azalea)
Large deciduous shrubs to 15 ft with tubular-funnel-shaped pink to
rose or rarely white flowers. This is one of the easiest and most
fragrant of the east coast azaleas. We find that it does not
typically color well in the autumn in our climate but may do so in
other regions. Found on the coastal plain from North Carolina to
Texas in various moist habitats.
76/277 HTS 14: USNA (0). Fragrant pink flowers on this clone
collected wild in Columbia Co., Florida.
76/278 HTS 1277A: USNA (0). Collected in Camden County,
Florida. Pink lobes and rose tubes.
78/111 KWG (0). Collected wild in Muskogee County, Georgia.
83/089 VAR (0). A form with pink flowers.
capitatum
Lapponica
Dwarf alpine evergreen shrubs with an erect habit. The tiny leaves
are shiny on the upper surface and covered with gold and brown
scales beneath. The flowers (early spring) are pale lavender to
deep purple. This is one of the rarer members of subsection
Lapponica in cultivation and also one of the earliest to bloom.
Found over a wide area of SW China including E Tibet, Gansu,
Sichuan & Shaanxi where it occurs in various montane habitats
from 10,000 to 14,000 ft.
74/064 GLE ((15\R2\3).Form with lavender flowers in early April.
carneum
Maddenia
Shrubs to 3 ft. Flowers pink to faintly pink. Leaves elliptical
and dark green. Known only in cultivation. Collected material
believed to have originated in the northern Shan States of Burma.
77/687 BRO (+20). Form with light "flesh" pink flowers.
carringtoniae
Sollenovireya (Vireya)
Large tropical evergreen shrubs with bright green, rounded-
elliptic leaves in pseudowhorls. The fragrant flowers are
white with a long tubular corolla and abruptly flared lobes
(salverform). Found on rocky river edges and open hillsides
from 6,000 to 9,600 ft. in the Owen Stanley Mountains of Papua
New Guinea.
85/049 PS: DC (+32)
87/040 RBG (+32\R1\?) Fragrant white flowers..
catacosmum
Neriiflora
Shrubs, 4 to 10 ft. Flowers (April) are crimson and of a fleshy
substance. Leathery leaves with a dense wooly indumentum.
Distribution limited in the wild. Found on forest margins and
cliffs at 12,000 to 14,400 ft. China
67/689 Rock 11185: WGP (0). Leaves with cinnamon indumentum.
Flowers large and deep red.
82/195 HIL: AC (0).
catawbiense
Pontica
Large evergreen shrubs with purple or occasionally white or
pink flowers in late spring to early summer. A cold-hardy and
attractive species often used in hybridizing. Native to higher
elevations up to 6,000 ft. in the mountains of North Carolina,
Georgia and Virginia, USA. Also occurs in scattered lowland
populations in these three states as forma "insularis" which
should have greater heat tolerance as well as larger leaves
and flowers.
75/134 ('catalga') GAB (-20). High domed trusses of clean
white flowers in May.
77/620 GAB: RAU (-20). A red-rose form with distinct white
stamens.
267sd93 93ARS#032:RSBG (- 20\R1\5). Grown from seed collected
wild on Mt. Mitchell, Yancey Co., North Carolina.
122sd95 RSBG (- 20\R1\5). Grown from seed collected wild on
Roan Mountain, Carter Co., Tennessee at 5,000 ft.
123sd95 ("forma insularis") RSBG ((20\R1\5). Grown from seed
collected wild in Johnson Co., NC at 220 ft.
124sd95 ("forma insularis") RSBG (- 20\R1\50. Grown from seed
collected wild in Cherokee Co., Georgia at 1,050 ft.
280sd95 95ARS#258:RSBG ((20\R1\5). Grown from seed collected
wild on Mt. Mitchell, NC at 6,410 ft.
caucasicum
Pontica
Dwarf shrubs 1 to 3 ft. Flowers (May) are white to yellow with
greenish flecks. Very hardy. Rare in cultivation. Found in rocky
mountainous areas at 6,000 to 9,000 ft. Turkey, USSR
79/125 GLE (0). Yellow form, collected in Turkey.
celebicum
Vireya
A newly introduced species. This is the first offering of this
exciting new vireya. This species has proven to be quite growable
and floriferous. It is a smaller-growing species in cultivation,
perfect for a container or hanging basket. The leaves are smooth
and obovate to oblanceolate in shape. The flowers are bright
carmine-rose and appear over an extended period. Native to the
island of Sulawesi (the Celebes), SE Asia where it occurs primarily
as an epiphyte in mossy forests from 5,900 to 8,500 ft.
97/059 Helm & Farbarik:RSBG (+32\R1\2). The first offering of
this fantastic newly introduced vireya. This clone collected wild
at 7,050 ft. by RSF members Hank Helm & John Farbarik.
cephalanthum ssp. cephalanthum
Pogonanthum
Dwarf and compact to prostrate evergreen shrubs with small oval and
fragrant scaly foliage. The small, narrowly tubular flowers (mid-spring)
have spreading lobes and are reminiscent of the flowers of a daphne.
They range in color from white to deep rose or yellow and occur in a
rounded or sometimes flat-topped inflorescence. A choice and rare
collector's item for the experienced grower. Requires excellent
drainage and a bright but cool position with plenty of water through the
growing season. Best in cooler, maritime climates. Widespread and often
common in the wild. Native to various alpine habitats from extreme NE
India (Arunachal Pradesh) through SE Tibet, N Burma and into W Yunnan
at 9,000 to 16,000 ft.
80/075 F.23400-Castle Howard (0). This clone grows into a
dense low mound with deep green oblong leaves less than an inch
in length and blooms in small clustered heads of delicate pink.
84/085 (cephalanthum var. nmaiense) K&P (0). Form with
yellow flowers, upright habit.
277sd1996 (Nmaiense Group) CV#:RSBG ('5\R3\2). The first reintroduction
of this Group which often has yellow flowers. Only a few of these
available. Grown from seed collected at 12,700 ft. on the Nyima La,
SE Tibet by Ken Cox, Chip Muller, Scott Vergara and Keith White.
Large beautiful specimens! A real opportunity
cerasinum
homsonia
Stout growing evergreen shrubs which flower in late spring to
early summer, often blooming again in the autumn. The lovely
bell-shaped blossoms are crimson to scarlet with dark purple
nectaries, or, in some forms the flowers are bicolor with
white to creamy white tubes and cherry-red or deep pink lobes.
Native to NE India, N Burma and SE Tibet where it occurs along
streams, in dense thickets, and in coniferous forests from
10,000 to 12,000 ft.
66/610 BEN: UBCP (+5).
73/057 PHB (0). Form with cherry-red flowers.
80/046 ('Coals of Fire') KW 5830: BH (0)
80/110 KW 5830:HER (0). Flowers white with a pink border.
82/074 ('Beer Sheba') KW 6923: EXB: UBC (0)
83/014 WEB (0). Flowers cream edged with red.
83/017 WEB (+5).
82/075 'Beer Sheba' KW#6923:EXB:UBC (0). Flowers dark burgundy-red.
82/147 SOF (0). Light pink flowers from a red bud. 8-12"
533sd95 CV#:RSBG (0\R1\4). Grown from seed collected wild in
SE Tibet from a plant with red-rimmed white flowers similar
to those of the famous Kingdon Ward collection 'Cherry Brandy'.
537sd95 RSBG (0\R1\4). Grown from seed collected wild in SE
Tibet from plants with variously colored flowers.
chamaethomsonii var. chamaethauma
Neriiflora
Dwarf shrubs up[ to 3 ft. Flowers (March-April) are pale to deep
pink. Found on rocky slopes among boulders at 13,000 to 15,000
ft. China
70/031 FR (0). Form with pink flowers.
chamaethomsonii var. chamaethomsonii
Neriiflora
Dwarf evergreen shrubs, typically wide-spreading and/or
mounding in cultivation. An extremely variable species with
the different forms quite distinct from one another, most
forms in cultivation are reminiscent of a larger, more robust
R. forrestii. Dark green, often glossy leaves accent the large
bell-shaped, red to carmine or pink flowers (early to
mid-spring). A great plant for massing in the rock garden or
as a specimen under larger plants. Native to SE Tibet and NW
Yunnan, China as well as NE India (Arunachal Pradesh). Occurs
in various alpine habitats from 11,000 to 15,000 ft. where it
often grows and merges with R. forrestii.
1966/174 RBGE ('5\R2\1). Unusual blush pink flowers.
66/545 GLN - GLE (0). Form with one-inch rounded, shiny
leaves, and surprisingly large red flowers.
78/063 R#92:HEN.R ((5\R1\2). Unusual larger and more
vigorous form of this species with large red flowers and
glossy foliage.
83/107 F 21723: ADM (0). Form with red flowers.
charitopes ssp. charitopes
Glauca
Low dome-shaped evergreen shrubs with peeling reddish brown
bark and attractive glossy green foliage which is glaucous
white on the underside. The flowers appear in mid-spring and
often again in late summer or early fall. These are a clear
"apple-blossom" pink to rose, sometimes spotted. A choice
species for the woodland garden. Native to a small area of
Upper Burma and adjacent N Yunnan, China from 10,500 to
14,000 ft. on rocky slopes and cliffs.
75/320 NYM:UBCBG (0?\R1\3). Rose flowers with red spots.
78/072 BRO - UBC (0). Form with delicate pink flowers.
84/081 BEN: K&P (+5). Pink flowers.
christianae
Euvireya (Vireya)
Large tropical evergreen shrubs with smooth shiny green foliage.
The flowers are narrowly bell-shaped and range in color from deep
yellow, yellow flushed orange, orange or salmon, to orange-lobed
with a yellow throat. A free-flowering species in cultivation.
Found on exposed areas of cliffs and steep rock faces in full sun
from 2,000 to 5,000 ft. in Papua New Guinea.
78/101 D. Stanton-FM (+32). Flowers in threes, the corollas
deep fluted cups of clear lemon yellow with soft orange
flared rims.
82/208 BOS (+32). Pale orange flowers.
83/072 ('Sunset') PS (+32). Form with deep yellow-orange
flowers.
85/029 WIT - USDA 489704 (+32). Form with yellow to orange
flowers.
christii
Euvireya (Vireya)
Tropical shrubs to 4 ft. Flowers (variable flowering time) have
red tubes and yellow lobes. Distinctive heart-shaped leaves on a
plant with striking bicolor pendulous flowers. Found as an
epiphyte in mossy shrubs and on grassland treeferns, or
terrestrial in rain forests or on cliffs from 4,000 to 13,200 ft.
Papua New Guinea.
83/055 PS (+32). Red tubular flowers with yellow lobes.
chrysodoron
Boothia
Upright-growing evergreen shrubs with beautiful smooth and
peeling, deep red-brown bark. The rather stiff and thick
foliage is quite attractive, glossy green on the upper surface
with golden scales on the lower. The flowers (late winter
indoors, early spring outdoors) are bright to deep yellow and
bell-shaped with flaring lobes. This species tends to open its
flowers rather sporadically over a long period (with us) and
grows too early in the season for cultivation out of doors in
our climate. It is however, a distinct and in my opinion, a
rather stunning species. Native to areas heavily influenced by
the monsoon from 6,500 to 8,500 in W Yunnan, China and N Burma
where it grows as an epiphyte or in other exceptionally
well-drained areas such as on rocks and cliffs.
76/218 Glenarn (+15\R3\3). Bright canary yellow flowers with
large brown anthers on this clone. Rarely offered.
ciliicalyx
Maddenia
Shrubs to 10 ft. Flowers (March-April) are white or pink and
openly funnel-campanulate. Leaves elliptic or narrowly elliptic
with dense brown scales beneath. Slightly hardier than other
species of this alliance and flowers can be scented. Limited
distribution in the wild: rocky slopes from 7,500 to 9,000 ft.
China (Yunnan)
82/013 'Charisma' KW 20280-Pukeiti (+32)
2000/022 'Walter Maynard' Borde Hill:Dodson (+15'\R2\5). This
AM form (1975) has large white flowers flushed yellow-green in
the throat, flushed soft red-purple at the base of the lobes.
NOTE: I incorrectly sold this as 'Walt Maynard' in the 2001
ciliatum
Maddenia
Low-growing compact evergreen shrubs with reddish brown peeling
bark. The large funnel-shaped flowers are white or white flushed
pink in early to mid-spring. The distinct and attractive glossy
foliage is elliptic in shape with long hairs on the upper surface
and fringing the margin. Tolerant of alkaline soil a fairly drought
tolerant once established. Often a common species in mountain
forests, boggy areas and rocky hillsides from 8,000 to 13,000 ft.
in the eastern Himalayas.
80/077 LS&H 16019-Castle Howard (+10).
82/172 HED#378:HED (+10). White flowers with a slight rose blush
in this form collected by Milke Danda in Nepal at 11,500 ft.
531sd1997 SEH#545:RSBG (+5\R1\4). My own collection from 11,000
ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya.
cinnabarinum ssp. cinnabarinum
Cinnabarina
Large upright-growing evergreen shrubs with superb pendulous
flowers in late spring. These are tubular in shape and quite
variable in color, ranging from red, plum-crimson,
salmon-pink, pink, yellow-orange and apricot to various
bicolor and even tricolor combinations. The leaves are deep
green to blue-green, often glaucous, and usually narrower and
without scales on the upper surface in this subspecies.
Susceptible to powdery mildew which may defoliate the plant in
extreme cases. Native to a wide variety of habitats from 7,000
to 13,000 ft. in the eastern Himalayas.
64/139 (var. blandfordiiflorum) Corsock (+5). Graceful
tubular flowers of a red-apricot-yellow blend.
70/019 (var. roylei 'Vin Rose') Windsor (+5). Slender
upright plant with pendulous open tubular flowers of plum-
crimson. An Award of Merit form, 1953.
74/066 'Nepal' LS&H 21283: HYD (+5). Clusters of four to
eight pendulous flowers of light orange, deepening to red at the
base. AM 1977.
77/160 (Roylei Group) Berg (+5\R2\5). Glaucous red-orange
flowers. 496sd97 SEH#509:RSBG (+5\R2\5). My own collection from 10,800
ft. in Sandakphu, West Bengal, India. I did not see these in
bloom but they are reported to be the red to plum-crimson with
a glaucous bloom form known as Roylei Group. Bright blue-green
leaves on this collection.
496sd97 SEH#509:RSBG (0?\R2\5). Grown from seed collected wild
at 10,800 ft. in Sandakphu, West Bengal, India. I did not see
these plants in bloom but they are reported to be the red to
plum-crimson with a bloom form which is known as Roylei Group.
Intensely blue-green leaves.
568sd97 SEH#582:RSBG (+5\R2\5). My own collection from 10,800
ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya. The few specimens of cinnabarinum
I was able to observe in bloom in this area were the orange
and yellow bicolored form known as Blandfordiiflorum Group.
cinnabarinum ssp. xanthocodon
Cinnabarinum
Similar to ssp. cinnabarinum but with shorter, more
bell-shaped flowers and broader leaves with scales on the
upper surface. The flowers range in color from apricot,
orange, vermilion and yellow, to red-purple or plum-purple and
appear in mid- to late spring. Plants formerly known as
concatenans are usually lower-growing and more compact. Plants
formerly known as var. purpurellum generally have smaller and
more rounded, deeper green leaves and shorter bell-shaped
flowers. This subspecies is much less susceptible to powdery
mildew than ssp. cinnabarinum. Found in various habitats from
10,000 to 14,000 ft. in the eastern Himalayas, east of the
range of ssp. cinnabarinum.
70/323 (syn. concatenans) FOR (+5). Form with large apricot-
orange bells, foliage especially silvery blue in this clone.
73/305 (syn. xanthocodon) EXB - WW - PHB (0). A reliable
medium sized shrub producing the best display of yellow
flowers in the genus. AM 1935
74/066 'Nepal' LS&H#21283:Hydon (0 to +5\R2\5). Yellow flowers
flushed red at the base on this 1977 Award of Merit form.
75/046 (syn. concatenans) KW 5874-Nymans (0) An Fcc form of
a Kingdon Ward collection with apricot flowers flushed rose
on the outside.
75/251 (syn. concatenans) WEB (0). A form typical in
rounded glaucous leaves but the finest flowers of any in Mr.
Davidian's opinion.
75/099 'Vin Rose' Windsor (0 to +5\R2\5). Deep red flowers
with a waxy bloom (Roylei Group) on this 1953 Award of Merit form.
77/670 (syn. cinnararinum var. purpurellum) CRA (+5). Purple
flowers.
80/078 (syn. concatenans) L&S 6560: CH (0). From the 1938
expedition by Ludlow, Sheriff & Taylor to southeastern
Tibet.
82/001 (syn. cinnabarinum var. purpurellum) CI: LB (0). An
Award of Merit form, 1951.
82/161 (Concatenans Group) BIR (0\R1\4). Glaucous blue-green
foliage and vermilion flowers.
545sd1997 SEH#559:RSBG (0 to +5\R2\5). My own collection from
11,800 ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya.
568sd1997 SEH#582:RSBG (0 to +5\R2\5). Grown from my
collection of seed at 10,800 ft. in the Sikkim Himalaya.
The few specimens of cinnabarinum I was able to observe
in bloom in this area were the orange and yellow
bicolored form known as Blandfordiiflorum Group.
Attractive blue-green foliage.
cinnabarinum ssp. xanthocodon
Cinnabarina
Similar to ssp. cinnabarinum but with shorter, more
bell-shaped flowers and broader leaves with scales on the
upper surface. The flowers range in color from apricot,
orange, vermilion and yellow, to red-purple or plum-purple and
appear in mid- to late spring. Plants formerly known as
concatenans are usually lower-growing and more compact. Plants
formerly known as var. purpurellum generally have smaller and
more rounded, deeper green leaves and shorter bell-shaped
flowers. This subspecies is much less susceptible to powdery
mildew than ssp. cinnabarinum. An outstanding foliage plant
with fragrant leaves. Found in various habitats from 10,000 to
14,000 ft. in the eastern Himalayas, east of the range of ssp.
cinnabarinum.
70/323 (Concatenans Group) Fortescue (0\R1\4). Intensely
silver-blue foliage with apricot flowers.
73/305 Wood:Brydon (0\R1\5). Solid chrome yellow flowers.
75/046 (Concatenans Group) KW#5874:Nymans (0\R1\4). Apricot
flowers flushed rose externally on this 1935 FCC form.
433sd1998 CCHH#8162:RSBG (0\R1\5). A very exciting and
interesting new collection from the extreme northwestern
corner of Yunnan, China. This collection is remarkable
in that cinnabarinum (excluding the deciduous subspecies
tamaense - which we also found in this area) is a
species of the Himalayas - 150 miles to the west!
Needless to say we were quite surprised to find it
growing in China. Beautiful intensely blue-green leaves.
I am assigning it to this taxon for the time being as it
most closely matches this subspecies as we know it. Will
probably have yellow to apricot flowers. Outstanding foliage.
99/380 (Concatenans Group) CV#9523:RSBG (0\R1\4). Glowing
sea-green leaves on this first collection of this taxon since
it was originally collected by Frank Kingdon Ward. Grown from
seed collected by Ken Cox on the Doshong La in SE Tibet. Low
mounding habit and striking foliage, should have yellow to
apricot flowers.
citriniflorum var. citriniflorum
Neriiflora
Dwarf and compact evergreen shrubs. The leaves are dark green
and smooth above with a thick grayish to brown indumentum beneath.
The flowers (mid-spring) are bell-shaped and yellow to creamy yellow
in color, sometimes with a faint pink flush. The unusually colored
flowers, in combination with the attractive foliage and habit, make
this a popular species with collectors. Difficult to propagate and
rather finicky about cultural conditions, it is rarely offered and
seldom seen outside of botanical collections. Native to the border
regions of SE Tibet & NW Yunnan, China where it occurs in various
alpine habitats from 13,000 to 16,000 ft.
70/143 BROD ((5\R2\2). Primrose yellow flowers.
citriniflorum var. horaeum
Neriiflora
Dwarf shrubs to 5 ft. Flowers (April) are orange-red to carmine.
Found among boulders and cliffs of alpine moorlands at 13,000 to
15,000 ft. China
76/139 F 21850:RBG (0)
clementinae
Taliensia
Rounded compact evergreen shrubs with stout upright and somewhat
stiff branches. The distinctive ovate to oval-lanceolate leaves
have a thick spongy whitish indumentum on the lower surface. The
foliage is often attractively glaucous blue-green on the upper
surface. The flowers (mid-spring) are white to white flushed rose
or rose, usually with reddish spots. One of the finest foliage
plants in the genus which is unfortunately, very hard to propagate.
Very slow-growing but long-lived in a well-drained soil with
protection from the hot afternoon sun. Rarely offered, highly
sought after species. Native to SW China (NW Yunnan & SW Sichuan)
where it occurs from 11,000 to 14,000 ft. in moorland and along
forest edges.
74/067 Greig-UBC (0)
83/028 DAW: TJ (0)
295sd1997 JN#352:RSBG ('10\R3\3). I am excited to offer these
beautiful seedlings grown from the first reintroduction of
this popular and rare species since 1937. A Jens Nielsen
collection from 13,125 ft. near the 99 Dragon Pool, Lao
Chun Shan, NW Yunnan, China.
coelicum
Neriiflora
Small evergreen shrubs with dark shiny green obovate leaves.
These have a thick pale brownish indumentum on the lower
surface. The long bell-shaped flowers (mid-spring) are red to
crimson. A beautiful foliage plant with attractive flowers.
Rather difficult in cultivation and never a heavy bloomer but
worth trying in a moist but very well drained soil in a cool
but bright position. Quite rare in cultivation. Native to the
NE Upper Burma/W Yunnan border region where it occurs in
various montane habitats from 12,000 to 14,500 ft. A plant for
the serious collector.
80/059 F#21830:Minterne (+5\R3\3). Flowers dark red on this
1955 Award of Merit clone.
coeloneuron
Taliensia'
A new and somewhat puzzling introduction. As pictured in
Sichuan Rhododendron of China this looks like a splendid new
species with pink to purplish flowers and darker flecks. The
foliage is said to be similar to that of R. wiltonii but with
a bistrate versus a unistrate indumentum on the underside.
From material now available however, I feel it is much closer
to R. floribundum and should probably be placed in subsection
Argyrophylla. Introductions from C Sichuan of what were
thought to be this species have turned out to be just extreme
forms of wiltonii. Recent collections of this species in N
Guizhou match the description of coeloneuron perfectly and
collections of what may be this species (or denudatum') in N
Yunnan & S Sichuan are quite similar. Peter Cox feels that
this species may be a link between the closely related
subsections Argyrophylla and Taliensia as it shares
distinguishing features of both groups. This is a beautiful
foliage plant. Native to mixed forests from 4,000 to 7,500 ft.
in S Sichuan, NE Yunnan & N Guizhou, China.
224sd95 PW#48:RSBG (0'\R1\4). Grown from seed collected wild
in N Guizhou, China by Peter Wharton at 5,150 ft. This should
be in every collection. NOTE: Comparable PW# collections of
this species may be substituted if necessary.
collettianum
Pogonanthum
Bushy shrubs to 3 ft. Flowers (May) are white, But buds are pink.
Rare both in the wild and in cultivation. Native to steep rocky
and stony slopes at 10,000 to 13,000 ft. Afghanistan, Pakistan
77/710 Wendelbo 8975-RBG (0)
commonae
Euvireya (Vireya)
Tropical shrubs to 5 ft. Flowers (variable flowering time) are
deep red to purplish crimson. As plants mature they can develop a
truss of up to 6 flowers. Found on the island of New Guinea.
Native on the edges of swamps or margins of Papuacedrus forest,
exposed ridges, and in rocky areas from 6,500 to 13,000 ft.
Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
79/035 PRA (+30) Red flowered, high elevation Vireya
collected at Daulo Pass in New Guinea.
concinnum
Triflora
Upright to compact growing evergreen shrubs. The lower surface
of the ovate to oblong-elliptic leaves is gray to brown incolor
due to the dense covering of scales. The flowers (mid-to late spring)
are typically purple to reddish purple or ruby red but can also
be pink, mauve or white, often with green or
red spots. They are widely funnel-shaped with long exserted
stamens. A floriferous, hardy and easy species in cultivation.
Extremely variable in the wild, this species is found over a
wide area of C China including Sichuan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Gansu
& Henan. It occurs in forests and on cliffs from 5,000 to
14,500 ft.
64/177 (Benthamianum Group) RBGE (- 10\R1\6). Purple flowers
with red-purple flecks.
64/180 (concinnum var. pseudoanthinum) WIS (-5). This form
possesses flowers among the loudest in color of the whole
genus, emphatic ruby-red.
64/209 'Chief Paulina' James (- 10\R1\6). Deep red-purple
flowers with darker flecks on this selection of
Pseudoyanthinum Group.
75/313 (concinnum var. pseudoyanthinum) CHP (-5). Form with
ruby-red flowers.
84/010 (concinnum var. benthamianum) ARD (-5)
coriaceum
Falconera
Shrubs or small trees, 10 to 25 ft. Flowers (April-May) are
white, sometimes flushed rose, with a crimson blotch. Native to
conifer forests and thickets from 10,000 to 14,000 ft. China
83/153 WGP (+15)
coryanum
Argyrophylla
Shrubs to 20 ft. Flowers (April-May) are creamy-white to white,
with crimson flecks. Small but plentiful flowers in a loose
truss. Native to forests and dense thickets from 11,000 to 14,000
ft. China
80/111 MM:Her (0)
cowanianum
Lepidota
Deciduous shrubs to 8 ft. Flowers (May) are pink to purple-
magenta to deep wine. Native to open slopes, on the edges of
forests, or in deep gorges at 10,000 to 13,000 ft. Nepal
79/184 VVN: KWG (+5)
crassifolium
Vireya
Tropical evergreen shrubs with large oblong to ovate rounded
leaves. The attractive leaves have a heavily veined and
puckered texture for a very distinctive appearance. The
funnel-shaped flowers are bright red or sometimes pink and
occur in large clusters. This vireya makes a unique and easily
grown, attractive specimen. Native to Borneo where it is
common and widespread from 3,900 to 7,200 ft.
87/041 RBGE (+32\R2\3). Large vermilion-red flowers on this
clone collected wild by Sheila Collenette.
crutwellii
Solelnovireya (Vireya)
Small tree 15 to 20 ft. Flowers (June-August) are pure white.
Found in thin evergreen forests, in gullies, among non-calcareous
rocks in shade and on moss-covered ground an 6,100 to 8,500 ft.
New Guinea
83/054 PS (+32). Pure white flowers.
culminicolum var. angiense
Euvireya (Vireya)
Shrubs or small trees to 16 ft. Flowers (January-December) are
red to purple, sometimes reddish-pink. Found in devastated
Nothofagus forests or forests borders and more open summit areas
at 4,000 to 7,500 ft. Common locally. NW New Guinea
83/059 PS (+32).
cuneatum
Lapponica
Shrubs, 3 to 6 ft. Flowers are deep purple to rose-lavender or
rarely white. With large leaves and flowers that are atypical of
this subsection. Found on mountainous slopes at 10,000 to 13,000
ft. China
65/497 GLE (0) Form with rose-lavender flowers.
69/106 Barto (0)
cuprescens
(possible hybrid of R. phaeochrysum and R. aganniphum) A shrub 3
to 15 ft. Flowers (March-April), are white, sometimes flushed
pink, with crimson spots. Collected in Sichuan, China
79/146 Goteborg BG (0)
cyanocarpum
Thomsonia
Stiffly branched and upright-growing evergreen shrubs or smal
trees with smooth pale bark. The rounded leaves are blue-green
and completely smooth. The bell-shaped flowers range in color
from pure white to pink or rose and have dark nectar pouches
at the base. This species is rather like a white or pink
Chinese version of the well-known red-flowered R. thomsonii
from the Himalayas. Very attractive foliage and one of the
first species to bloom here every year, often in late
February. Can be susceptible to powdery mildew though we have
had little trouble here. Native only to the Cang Shan of W
Yunnan, China where it is quite common from 10,000 to 13,000ft
77/731 ( syn. cyanocarpum var. eriphyllum) F 15570: WGP (0)
This form is from seed collected in NW Yunnan by George
Forrest during his 1917-19 expedition.
509sd1998 CCHH#8245:RSBG (- 5\R2\4). Grown from my collection
of seed at 11,800 ft. Rarely seen in cultivation. Quite nice.
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