Rhododendron falconeri subsp. eximium
Michael's Opinion
A plant with outstanding foliage.
Botanical Information
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Rhododendron |
| Species | falconeri |
| Subspecies | eximium |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to Bhutan. R. falconeri was named after H. Falconer (1808-1865) who was the Superintendent at the Saharanpur Gardens, India in 1832. Beloved to be introduced into cultivation around 1850. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 7b - 8a |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H5 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -15 - (-10) |
| Temperature (°F) | 5 - 14 |
| Height | 150 -180 cm (after about ten years) |
| Growth | Slow |
| Flowering Period | April, May |
Description and Growing Information
| Landscape | Courtyard gardens, woodland or sheltered areas protected from cold winter winds. |
| Propagation | Seed. |
| Cultivation | Prefers a soil pH of 4.5 - 6.5. Typically flowers 6 -10 years after planting. |
| Notable Specimens | Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England. |
| Habitat | Found growing at elevations of 2,700 to 3,400m. |
| Bark/Stem Description | The bark is red and flaky and quite attractive. |
| Leaf Description | Broad, elliptic to obovate in shape leaves that are 45 cm long with a rusty brown indumentum on the upper surface which lasts for up to one year. |
| Flower Description | Attractive, large, creamy-rose-pink trusses of 12 - 20 blooms fading to creamy-pink. |
| Colour Description | The bark is a dark red. The leaves are green with a dark green middle. The flowers are a whitish-cream. |
Photographs
Awards
