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Rhododendron > Rhododendron protistum > Rhododendron protistum

Rhododendron protistum


Big Tree Rhododendron




Origin:  South-west Yunnan Province, China.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

A splendid sight when in full bloom.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Ericaceae
Genus
Rhododendron
Species
protistum
Type
Tree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen)
USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 10
Canadian Hardiness Zone
Requires cold season protection under glass.
RHS Hardiness Zone
H5 - H2
Temperature (°C)
-15 – 5
Height
5 – 10 m (In some cases up to 25 meters tall)
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
General Description
One of the largest of all rhododendrons, developing to a very large, rounded shape, growing in some cases up to 25 meters tall.
Landscape
Best suited to larger gardens with mixed larger trees to provide the dappled shade it prefers.
Cultivation
Grow in high organic, well-drained, acidic soils in full sun to partial shade. Mulch well to conserve moisture.
Shape
Mounding to round.
Growth
Fast
Pests
May 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
Leaf Description
Leathery leaves which are enormous, sometimes as large as 56 x 25 cm.
Flower Description
Large trusses of cream, purple or rose pink flowers in early springtime.
Texture Description
Smooth leaves with delicate purple or rose pink spring flowers.
Notable Specimens
National Trust Trelissick Garden, Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
Propagation
Propagate by seed when ripe, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, layering in autumn or grafting in late summer or late winter.
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