Large upright evergreen shrubs or small trees with tomentose and glandular young stems.The lanceolate to elliptic leaves have an attractive indumentum on both surfaces when they first emerge in mid-to late summer.The stunning funnel bell-shaped flowers (late spring to mid-summer) are scarlet to crimson with deeper-colored nectar pouches and spots.An attractive and rarely grown species which is vulnerable to early autumn frosts due to the late emergence of the new foliage.One of the most impressive of all red-flowered rhododendrons when grown well.Native only to NE India where it occurs in forests from 8,000 to 9,000 ft.
1976/228Brodick(H2-3).Rather tender in most areas but with exceptional scarlet flowers in May-June.
1977/561Caperci(+15\R1\5).Bright red flowers with numerous darker flecks.
1988/081KW#19083:SCHI(+15\R1\5).I am unable to accurately provide flower color data on this species as it is kept in a cool greenhouse which tends to “bleach-out” the flowers.A spectacular plant for mild areas.
