SPECIES FOUNDATION RHODODENDRONS

Short description of most species.
Updated from old RSF catalogs by Jerry L. Fickes
updated by Hans Eiberg 1997-2002 


Go to species: b c 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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