Rhododendron 'Saffron Queen' (Saffron Queen Rhododendron)

Botanical Information

FamilyEricaceae
GenusRhododendron
Cultivar'Saffron Queen'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginHorticultural origin. C. Williams, Caerhays Estate, Cornwall, United Kingdom, 1948. Parentage (Seed Parent x Pollen Parent): R. xanthostephanum x R. burmanicum

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5 - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-34
Temperature (°F)-30
Height1.2 - 2.0 m
Spread1.5 - 2.5 m
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

ShapeAn upright and open shrub.
LandscapeCan be placed on a patio or terrace in a large container or in a partially shaded flowerbed.
PropagationSeeds germinate easily without any special treatment to break dormancy, tissue culture, and cuttings taken preferably in late July-August for specific cultivars. Cuttings should be treated with alcohol for 5 seconds, placed in a well drained media and misted.
CultivationBest grown in moist, fertile, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Best flowering in full sun.
PestsVine weevils, scale insects, honey fungus, powdery mildew, bud blast.
Notable SpecimensGlendurgan Garden, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatMild, wet, richly acidic soil regions, lightly wooded and open meadow areas at lower elevations.
Bark/Stem DescriptionDark brown-grey, mild fissures can be found on older growth.
Leaf DescriptionLanceolate to oblanceolate, up to 10 cm long, glossy, and spear-shaped leaves.
Flower Descriptionfragrant, bright lemon-yellow funnel-shaped flowers with darker spotting on dorsal lobes, 5 - 7.5 cm across, and held in lax trusses with 8 - 9 flowers.

Photographs