Rhododendron lepidotum
scaly rhododendron
Himalayan Asia — Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Sikkim, Yunnan; alpine and subalpine zones at 8,000-15,000 feet (2,400-4,600 m) elevation
Overview
Rhododendron lepidotum is scaly rhododendron, a compact mounding broadleaf evergreen shrub growing 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) tall and 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) wide. Small elliptic leaves 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-4 cm) long, dark green above and brown-scaly (lepidote) beneath — the brown disc-shaped scales on the leaf undersides are visible under magnification. Terminal clusters of 3-6 tubular to funnel-shaped flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm), variable in color: pink, purple, yellow, or white depending on the wild population. In the heath family (Ericaceae). One of the smallest commonly cultivated Rhododendron species. Native to Himalayan alpine and subalpine zones at 8,000-15,000 feet (2,400-4,600 m). Requires acid soil pH 4.5-5.5 — chlorosis (yellowing between veins) develops in alkaline soils above pH 6.0. Does not tolerate sustained heat or drought — performs poorly in zones 8b and warmer, and requires consistent moisture in summer. All Rhododendron species contain grayanotoxins in leaves, flowers, nectar, and pollen — toxic to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested. Deer-resistant (toxicity). Zones 5-8. Part shade. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to Himalayan Asia — Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Sikkim, Yunnan — at alpine and subalpine elevations of 8,000-15,000 feet (2,400-4,600 m).Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) with acid potting mix. Alpine or Himalayan garden theme. Compact — 12-36 inches (30-90 cm). Acid soil required. Toxic — all parts. Deer-resistant. Zones 5-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Late spring to early summer (May-June). Terminal clusters of 3-6 tubular to funnel-shaped flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm), variable in color (pink, purple, yellow, or white). 4 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Variable: pink, purple, yellow, or white depending on population; tubular to funnel-shaped, 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm), in terminal clusters of 3-6Foliage Description
Dark green above, brown-scaly (lepidote) beneath; small elliptic leaves 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-4 cm) long; aromatic when bruisedGrowing 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). Acid soil pH 4.5-5.5 — chlorosis above pH 6.0. Well-drained but consistently moist. Mulch 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). Does not tolerate heat or drought — zones 5-8. All parts contain grayanotoxins — toxic. Deer-resistant. Slow growth.Pruning
Remove spent flower clusters by snapping off at the truss base after bloom (June). Do not cut into old wood — Rhododendron does not regenerate from bare stems. Shape lightly if needed immediately after flowering.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: 3 gallons