Rhododendron falconeri

Rhododendron falconeri, the falconer rhododendron,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, native to the eastern Himalayas. It is a large evergreen shrub or tree, and sometimes the dominant canopy tree, that typically grows to 12–15 m (39–49 ft) in height, with leathery leaves that are elliptic to obovate in shape and usually about 1 ft (0.30 m) in length. Flowers are white to cream, pale yellow, or pinkish, with a prominent purple blotch.

Rhododendron falconeri
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Rhododendron
Species:
R. falconeri
Binomial name
Rhododendron falconeri
Synonyms

Azalea falconeri (Hook.f.) Kuntze

It occurs from eastern Nepal through Sikkim and Bhutan, as well as adjacent areas of northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal). It grows at altitudes of 2,700–3,750 m (8,860–12,300 ft).

In cultivation in the UK, Rhododendron falconeri has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[1][2] It is hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F) but requires a sheltered position. Like most rhododendrons it needs an acid soil that is rich in leaf mould.

References

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  1. ^ a b "RHS Plantfinder - Rhododendron falconeri". Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  2. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 85. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
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