Rhododendron sinogrande


Rhododendron sinogrande is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae. It is commonly called the great Chinese rhododendron, and is native to alpine regions at in southeastern Xizang and western Yunnan in China and in northeastern Myanmar.

Description

The great Chinese rhododendron is a substantial evergreen shrub or small tree reaching a height of with leaves up to long, but occasionally up to long by up to broad; they are dark green above, and silvery-grey below with short, dense hairs. In late spring it bears large trusses of pale yellow or cream flowers, each up to long, spotted with maroon on the interior.

Cultivation

In cultivation in the UK Rhododendron sinogrande has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of [Garden Merit]. It is hardy down to but like most rhododendrons it requires a sheltered spot in dappled shade, and an acid soil enriched with leaf mould.