9 May 2019
In Pictures: Ravishing rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are beautiful and their sumptuous blooms look spectacular in full flower. Spot our rare species and gorgeous specimens across Wakehurst.
Reginald Childs, Rhododendron uvarifolium
A beautiful specimen of this can be found in the Water Gardens. This clone was introduced by Wakehurst , and registered in 1976. It has pretty pink to white bell-shaped flowers, usually spotted or blotched in a large truss of six to 18 flowers, blooming throughout March and April.
Rhododendron mallotum
This rare Rhododendron can be found near the viewpoint over Westwood Valley.
In the wild, this species occurs on the border of China and Myanmar. It is Red-listed as endangered with extinction, particularly as a result of new road construction. Its stunning crimson to scarlet flowers in early spring contrast with its dense cinnamon-brown indumentum (fine hairs) on the undersides of the leaves.
Rhododendron arboreum
This is the national flower of Nepal.
In early and mid-spring, trusses of 15 to 20 bell-shaped flowers, up to 2 inches big are produced in red, pink or white. This plant holds the Guinness Record for World’s Largest Rhododendron at 20m in height recorded in India. Beautiful examples can be found on the slopes of Lady’s Drive (the main path through Westwood Valley).
Rhododendron barbatum X arboreum
Bursting full of flower by March and April at the top of Westwood Valley, this grand specimen visibly marks the beginning of the vast collection of rhododendrons. Over 1800 accessions are in the valley, and 300 are Red-listed, helping to make our collection globally significant.
Rhododendron argyrophyllum subsp. nankigense
This species is found in China and is Red-listed as vulnerable.
In the wild, this species is severely fragmented, occurring in thickets and known from only two localities widely separated, one of which consists of just 200 plants. In spring it is covered in stunning clusters of lightly-scented, pink, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Rhododendron sutchuenense
This Sichuan tree is found in south west China. and has drooping leaves up to 30cm long. Trusses of up to ten bell-shaped flowers bloom in early spring, ranging in colour from pale pink to a rosy lilac with red or purple spots. This species can be found on the path below the Himalayan viewpoint at Wakehurst.
Nobleanum, (Rhododendron X pulcherrimum)
A cross between R. arboreum and R. caucasicum, this species is a favourite of one of our long-serving members of staff who has now retired. Ted was responsible for maintaining these plants in their early years. The plant, which can be found just below the Water Garden, has abundant flowers in early spring full of a deep and brilliant rose colour.
Rhododendron meddianum
Listed as vulnerable, this species naturally occurs in the region between China and Myanmar where it grows in thickets along streams and rocky slopes. It has crimson or scarlet flowers in March and April. It can be found below the Himalayan viewpoint on the path up from Westwood Lake.
Rhododendron nitidulum var. omeiense
This compact plant has small dark purplish blue to lavender-blue coloured flowers. Its wild populations occur in moorlands and rocky slopes in central Sichuan, where it is restricted to a small population on the slopes of Mount Emei.
You can find a small specimen of this in the Asian Heath Garden at Wakehurst.
