Rhododendron, Genus, fortunei, Species,
- Genus & species
Fortune's rhododendron
Overview
Rhododendron fortunei is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Ericaceae, native to eastern and central China. It reaches 6–15 feet (1.8–4.5 m) tall with a spread of 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m), forming a rounded, upright crown. Leaves are leathery, elliptic to oblong, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long and 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) wide, dark green above and paler beneath, with a rounded to heart-shaped base. Flowers are borne in terminal trusses of 6–12. Each flower is funnel-shaped to broadly bell-shaped, 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) across, with seven lobes, pale pink to lilac-pink, and a faint spicy fragrance. Flower buds form in summer and open the following spring. The species is a parent of many hybrid rhododendrons, including the Loderi group. Plants require acidic soil with a pH of 4.5–6.0 and develop yellow, chlorotic leaves in alkaline soil. Foliage is damaged by temperatures below -5°F (-21°C), and the species is grown in USDA zones 6–8. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if eaten.
Native Range
Eastern and central China, in mountain forests and thickets at elevations of 600–1,800 meters (2,000–5,900 feet).Suggested Uses
Used as a woodland understory shrub and in shaded borders, spaced 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) apart. Used in breeding for hybrid rhododendrons with fragrant flowers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Bloom Information
Flowers open from mid to late spring (April–May), with bloom lasting 2–3 weeks. Each truss lasts 7–14 days. Flower buds form in the previous summer and are damaged by temperatures below 10°F (-12°C). Plants grown from seed flower 5–8 years after germination.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale pink to lilac-pinkFoliage Description
Dark green above, paler beneathGrowing 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
Plants grow in part shade, with 3–6 hours of direct sun, in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 4.5–6.0. Roots are shallow and fibrous, and mulch 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) deep of pine bark or leaf mold retains soil moisture. Water is applied weekly in dry weather, at 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week, and standing water causes root rot. Fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants is applied in early spring. Wind and winter sun scorch foliage, and temperatures below -5°F (-21°C) damage leaves and flower buds. Plants set into soil at the same depth as the root ball, with the top of the root ball slightly above grade.Pruning
Pruning is done immediately after flowering, in May–June, because flower buds form on the previous season's growth. Dead and crossing branches are removed, and spent trusses are snapped off at the base. Old, leggy plants regrow after cuts to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) above the ground, with flowering reduced for 2–3 years.Pruning Schedule
Prune: May–June
late springsummer
