Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
Federal Way, WA
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R. lateriflorum
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The first introduction into cultivation of this only recently described species.  Although currently placed in subsection Cinnabarina, this seems to be closely allies to R. zaleucum with similar large flowers of white to white flushed rose or mauve-pink.  The undersides of the leaves are much less glaucous than those of that distinct species and there are various other botanical differences.  Like most members of subsection Triflora, this forms a large upright evergreen shrub.  This should be a very showy garden plant with large flowers and small shiny leaves.  Currently known only from the extreme NW Corner of Yunnan, China, although it probably occurs in adjacent Burma.

 

2000sd533  BASE#9651:RSBG  (+5\R15\5).  These are grown from my collection of seed at 9,850 ft. in NW Yunnan, China