Rhododendrons

Rhododendron searleanum
Vireya Subgenus:
Siphonovireya Section
Epithet: after L. K. Searle, who introduced this species.
Introduced into cultivation: 1974 from material collected by Lou Searle.
Flowers: up to 16 per open, flat umbel, trumpet-shaped, 80-125 x 40-55mm, pink, scented, tube 65-75 x 4-5 x 10-14mm.
June, Sep
Foliage: broadly elliptic or elliptic, 60-110 x 40-75mm, 4-6 in tight pseudowhorls.
Tree or shrub to 4m, terrestrial.
Distribution (2100-2600m):
Papua New Guinea:
Chimbu District: Mt. Digine; Enga Province: Mt. Maip
It grows well and has magnificent powerfully scented flowers.