Rhododendron burmanicum (Rhododendron)

Botanical Information

FamilyEricaceae
GenusRhododendron
Speciesburmanicum
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSouth west Myanmar.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone8
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height2 m
Spread2 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodSeptember, October, November

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionIt is a small to medium sized evergreen shrub growing to 2 m x 2 m.
ShapeLoose open shrub (informal).
LandscapeInformal hedge. Will provide a beautiful display of cream to yellow or greenish yellow flowers which are very appealing.
PropagationSeeds germinate easily without any special treatment to break dormancy. Cuttings should be treated with alcohol for 5 seconds, placed in a well drained media and misted.
CultivationGrow in sun to semi-shade in well drained humus rich soil.
PestsVine weevils, white fly, scale insects, caterpillars, aphids and honey fungus. Powdery mildew may be a problem in areas of poor air circulation.
Notable SpecimensCaerhays Castle, Goran, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatThis species originates in the mountains of south west Myanmar where it grows on the margins of the forest at about 2,700 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionYoung stems scaly and slightly bristly. 
Leaf DescriptionMedium size obovate or oblong-obovate, up to 10 cm long, dark or bright green leaves that appear gold brown due to the scales on both sides.
Flower DescriptionFunnel campanulate, 2 - 5 cm long, cream to yellow or greenish yellow, outside scaly, sometimes fragrant. Truss holds 4-6 flowers. 
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is a dry capsule 1.5-2.5 cm in length, filled with many seeds.

Photographs