Rhododendrons

johnstoneanum

Rhododendron johnstoneanum
Maddenii alliance
H2/3
AM 1934, Lingfield and Nymans, 1941, Trengwainton to a clone 'Rubeotinctum' -
white with a pink stripe, 1975, Leonardslee to a clone 'Demi-John'.
Height: 1.2 - 4.5m
10 year height/spread: 1.3m/1.2m
Flowers: creamy white, but usually through pale yellow with a deeper throat, sometimes
with red spots.
April / May
Introduced: 1908 by Sir George Watt from Assam. Recollected 1927 by Kingdon Ward
Distribution: Naga Hills, Assam, 2700 - 3100m.
Recognise by: bristly branchlets, leaves and petiole, broad elliptic leaves, flower colour.
Epithet:after Mrs.Johnstone of Manipur 1882
Variably and not strongly scented - best purchased after seeing flowers, or from a
known clone. Many clones (but not 'Double Diamond') are worth trying outside in most parts of the UK.

KW7732
Location: Hindleap, May 1995
Photo: Mike Robinson

Location: Clyne Castle, Wales 2009
Photo: Roger Newton

'Double Diamond'
Location: Dorset
Photo: Russell Beeson