James Burghardt
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
Rhododendron adenopodum
Plant Common Name
Chinese Rhododendron
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Fuzzy leaves are an interesting backdrop to dainty light rose-pink flowers in spring on Rhododendron adenopodum. Found in thickets and on mountain slopes in the highlands of central China, in the Chongquin and Hubei Provinces, this large shrub attains a rounded but spreading shape. It flowers profusely even when a young plant.
The gray barked stems have whorled clusters of elongated medium to light green leaves at branch tips. The leaf is stiff, leathery and covered in tiny gray or tan hairs. In mid- to late spring, a truss of rosy light pink blossoms occur at the branch tips, too, above the foliage. Lacking fragrance, the bell-shaped blossoms have five pointy lobes and are light pink with deeper rose streaks and occasional tiny spots of red.
Grow this rhodie in partial sun to light dappled shade in an acidic soil that is rich in humus. Soils should have good drainage. Tolerant of heat and humidity, it is not fond of dry soil. Use it as a woodland shrub or in a mixed border among other spring and summer-flowering shrubs.
There are andromedotoxins in all parts of the rhododendron plant with associated health concerns. For more information visit: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Rhodosp.htm .
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 8
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun
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Height
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Width
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Pink, Rose
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Green, Gray Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
