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Rhododendron bureavii
Bureau's Rhododendron
Western China (Yunnan and Sichuan provinces)
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Overview
Rhododendron bureavii is Bureau's rhododendron (cinnamon-bark rhododendron), an evergreen shrub growing 48–96 inches (120–240 cm) tall and 60–96 inches (150–240 cm) wide. Dark green elliptic leaves 3–6 inches (7–15 cm) with a dense cinnamon-brown to rust-red woolly indumentum (felted hair layer) on the undersides — the indumentum is the primary identification trait and the year-round feature. New emerging growth is covered in thick white to tawny wool that matures to cinnamon-brown over several months. White to pale pink bell-shaped flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) with crimson-red spots in trusses of 10–15 in mid to late spring. Named after Édouard Bureau (1830–1918), French botanist at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris. In the heath family (Ericaceae spp.). One of the finest indumentum-bearing rhododendron species — the cinnamon-brown woolly undersides are visible when wind turns the leaves or when viewed from below. Hardier than many large-leaved Rhododendron spp. species — tolerates zone 5 (−20°F / −29°C). Acidic soil required (pH 4.5–6.0). Phytophthora spp. root rot in heavy wet soil. All parts contain grayanotoxins — toxic to humans and animals. Native to western China (Yunnan and Sichuan), growing in mountain forest at 9,000–13,000 feet (2,700–4,000 m). Partial shade. Consistent moisture. Zones 5–8. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to western China (Yunnan and Sichuan provinces), growing in mountain forest and at treeline at 9,000–13,000 feet (2,700–4,000 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens and shade borders in zones 5–8. Acidic soil required. The cinnamon-brown indumentum is the year-round foliage feature. Hardier than many large-leaved species. All parts toxic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 8'
Width/Spread5' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 7 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (April–May), lasting 2–3 weeks. White to pale pink bell-shaped flowers with crimson spots in trusses of 10–15. The indumentum-covered foliage is the year-round feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale pink with crimson-red spots, bell-shaped, 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm), in trusses of 10-15Foliage Description
Dark green upper surface; dense cinnamon-brown to rust-red woolly indumentum (felted hair layer) on undersides; leaves 3-6 inches (7-15 cm), ellipticGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade. Acidic soil pH 4.5–6.0. Sharp drainage — Phytophthora root rot in wet soil. Hardier than many large-leaved species (zone 5). The cinnamon-brown indumentum on leaf undersides is the year-round feature. All parts toxic (grayanotoxins). Zones 5–8.Pruning
Deadhead spent trusses. Minimal shape pruning — the mounding form develops naturally. Tolerates light renovation pruning. The indumentum on new growth is a secondary spring feature — do not damage emerging shoots.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons