Rhododendron dauricum

Rhododenron dauricum

Common name: dahurian rhododendron

Leaf: simple, alternate, purplish-brown to dark green oblong to elliptic; margins entire to denticulate, leathery, scaled upper leaf; pale green, densely scaled lower leaf

Flowers: terminal truss of medium, purple, mildly pubescent, fennelform florets, blooming March to April, blooms emerge before foliage

Fruit: capsule, brown, dry

Habit: semi-evergreen, open, multi-stemmed, upright; Form: rounded

Height: 3-6'; Spread: 3-6'

Culture: Plant in part sun, in rich, moist, well-drained soils in slightly acidic soils. May need winter wind protection.

Uses: spring interest, accent, shrub border, woodland margin, mass planting

Origin: Asia: Eastern Siberia, Mongolia, N. China, Japan