1 / 3
Daderot, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons
Rhododendron 'Cilpinense'
Cilpinense Rhododendron
Hybrid of garden origin — {R. ciliatum} (Himalayas) × {R. moupinense} (Sichuan, China); raised at Bodnant Garden, Wales, 1927
Learn more
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Rhododendron 'Cilpinense' is Cilpinense rhododendron, a compact mounding evergreen shrub growing 2.5-4 feet (0.75-1.2 m) tall and 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) wide. Pale shell-pink funnel-shaped flowers 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) from deep pink buds in loose trusses of 2-3 in February-March (3 weeks). Glossy dark green elliptic leaves 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) with ciliate (hairy-fringed) margins. In Ericaceae. A hybrid: R. ciliatum × R. moupinense (Bodnant Garden, Wales, 1927). Among the earliest-blooming rhododendrons. The very early bloom is the primary feature and limitation — late frosts frequently damage open flowers. Site in a sheltered frost-free position. Contains grayanotoxin — all parts toxic. Acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Not drought-tolerant. Zones 7-9. Part shade. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Hybrid of garden origin — R. ciliatum (Himalayas) × R. moupinense (Sichuan, China). Raised at Bodnant Garden, North Wales, 1927.Suggested Uses
Grown in sheltered woodland gardens, against warm walls, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with acidic mix, spaced 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m). Very early bloom. Shelter from frost. All parts toxic. Zones 7-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'6" - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years
Bloom Information
Late winter to early spring (February-March). Pale shell-pink funnel-shaped flowers 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) from deep pink buds in loose trusses of 2-3. 3 weeks. Hummingbird- and bee-visited. Among the earliest-blooming rhododendrons. Frost-sensitive when open.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale shell-pink from deep pink buds, funnel-shaped, 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm), in loose trusses of 2-3; February-March; among the earliest-blooming rhododendronsFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, elliptic, 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm), with ciliate (hairy-fringed) margins — the name 'Cilpinense' combines 'ciliatum' (ciliate) and 'moupinense' (from Moupin, China), the two parent species; evergreen year-roundGrowing 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
Part shade (3-6 hours). Well-drained acidic soil pH 4.5-6.0. Not drought-tolerant. Site in a sheltered frost-free position — late frosts damage open February-March flowers. Deadhead spent trusses. Contains grayanotoxin — all parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-9.Pruning
Deadhead spent flower trusses immediately after bloom (March). Prune to shape after flowering if needed. The compact mounding form requires minimal pruning.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons