Rhododendron calophytum | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Ericaceae |
Genus: | Rhododendron |
Species: | R. calophytum
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Binomial name | |
Rhododendron calophytum |
Rhododendron calophytum, the beautiful-face rhododendron,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae that is native to the forests of central and eastern China, where it lives at altitudes of 1,400–4,000 m (4,600–13,100 ft).[2] Growing to 12 m (39 ft) tall and 8 m (26 ft) broad, it is a substantial evergreen shrub. The leathery leaves are narrow and up to 30 cm (12 in) long. In early Spring trusses of bell-shaped, white or pale pink flowers, spotted with maroon inside, are produced.[3]
In cultivation in the UK, Rhododendron calophytum has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[1][4] Like most rhododendrons it prefers an acid soil. It is hardy down to −15 °C (5 °F).