Rhododendron niveum (Niveum Rhododendron, Bell Snow Rhododendron )

Michael's Opinion

One of my favourites, a brash, stunning plant.

Botanical Information

FamilyEricaceae
GenusRhododendron
Speciesniveum
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen)
OriginNative to northeastern India (including Sikkim), Bhutan, and southern Tibet.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6b - 7a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone8
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15
Temperature (°F)5
Height2 – 6 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionIt is a shrub or small tree that grows to 2 – 6 m in height, with white-felted shoots and dark green leaves.
ShapeSprawling to mounding.
LandscapeLow maintenance hedging or screens.
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, layering in autumn or grafting in late summer or late winter.
CultivationGrow best in moist, fertile, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun.
PestsMay be prone to vine weevil, rhododendron leafhopper, pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars, aphids, powdery mildews, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast, silver leaf and honey fungus
Notable SpecimensCaerhays Castle, Goran, Cornwall, United Kingdom. National Trust Trelissick Garden, Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatBell Snow Rhododendron is found in the Himalayas at altitudes of 2600-3500 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionMulti-stemmed shrub or tree.
Leaf DescriptionAn alternate, simple, oblong-lanceolate to elliptic, 11-17 cm long, smooth dark green above, white to pale brown indumentum below.
Flower DescriptionDeep magenta to deep lilac, even a dull smoky blue, dark nectar pouches, 5 cm long, tubular-bell shaped, in tight, rounded clusters, with 15-20 flowers.

Photographs