Rhododendrons

Rhododendron calophytum var.
calophytum
Fortunea subsection
Epithet: 'beautiful plant'
H5
AM 1920 Reuthe, FCC 1933 South Lodge, AGM (1993) 2012
Height: 4 - 10m
10 year height/spread: 2.5m/4m
Flowers: open topped trusses of up to 30 very pale pink campanulate ventricose
flowers with purple flecking and a marked basal blotch.
March.
Introduced: 1904 by Wilson from Western Sichuan. Recollected 1980 onwards.
Distribution: Sichuan, NE Yunnan 2400 - 4000m.
Recognise by: long smooth leaves to 35cm, only likely to be confused with sutchuenense
and hybrids with that species
and its relatives. Leaves flatter in fine weather, and oblanceolate - usually wider
above the middle, but they curl up easily in cold or drought. Ventricose flowers with a
blotch and usually red pedicels (such forms are worth seeking out),and usually more
stamens (15-22) than sutchuenense (13-17).
Many clones, and hybrids, are in commerce. Seek a reliable source. A magnificent stately
shrub which is free flowering except when very small. Hardier than any of the Grandia
or Falconera subsections and usefully early, though of course the flowers may get
frosted. Should be in every collection where space permits.