Scientific Name
Rhododendron bureavii Franch.
Common Name(s)
Bureau Rhododendron
Synonym(s)
Rhododendron bureavioides, Rhododendron cruentum, Azalea bureaui
Scientific Classification
Family: Ericaceae
Subfamily: Ericoideae
Tribe: Rhodoreae
Genus: Rhododendron
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: Mid and late spring
Description
Rhododendron bureavii is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with handsome glossy dark green leaves thickly-felted rusty-brown, very noticeable on the young growth. It grows up to 13.1 feet (4 m) tall. Pink buds open to bell-shaped white flowers. The flowers are up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter and appear in mid and late spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 6a to 8b: from −10 °F (−23.3 °C) to 20 °F (−6.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Once properly located in the planting bed, water thoroughly and cover with an organic mulch will break down to supply nutrients as it decomposes. A pine bark covering applied at 2 inches (5 cm) is thought to inhibit fungi that cause root rot. Do not mulch with peat moss, as it is difficult to rewet after drying out. Proper mulching will decrease the need for future care.
Rhododendron care includes yearly fertilization, best applied in fall, following a hard freeze or early spring. Use fertilizer for acid-loving plants, such as organic cottonseed meal. The organic material you have worked into the soil previously will break down to provide some of the necessary nutrients.
Consistently moist soil is needed for proper care, but too much water creates problems for the growing Rhododendron. When leaves curl and twist, this indicates that water is required immediately. The Rhododendron bush should not be allowed to go through the stress of wilting.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Rhododendron.
Origin
This species is native to western Sichuan and northern Yunnan, China, where it grows at altitudes of 2800–4500 meters.
Links
- Back to genus Rhododendron
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
