Description
As the common name suggests, this species is from Szechwan, China. Its lovely bell shaped rose-pink flowers bloom in late winter-early spring, but what this Rhodie is known for is its leaves. Abundant long elegant leaves, reach 30cm long x 6cm wide, are dark matte green on top and paler underneath. New growth is covered in fine gray down. There may be some indumentum along midrib. Introduced to the by E. H. Wilson in 1901.
- Seed Count: 25-30
- Collection Date: Dec 2020
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Height and Width: 5m x 5m
- Habitat: sheltered shaded sites with humus rich moist acidic soils. Sheltered sites are to protect blooms from frost.
- Family: Ericaceae
How to germinate Rhododendron sutchuense seeds:
Rub peat moss through a 4mm screen to create fine lump free milled peat moss. Add 20/30 filter sand (10% content max) and greensand at 1 tbsp/gallon of medium). Moisten, blend well and fill pots/flats/WHT, tamp firm. Sprinkle seeds thinly on medium surface. Mist well. Give gentle warmth (20-25C). Lightly mist daily. Provide strong indirect light. Clear plastic cover helps maintain humidity and enhance germination /seedling survival by not letting medium desiccate. Seeds should germinate in 10 days. Never let seedlings nor medium dry out nor over water. Prick out when large enough to handle into individual pots and grow on. Shallow rooted. Be warned seedlings have very fine hair like roots and can damage easily. Have pots ready to receive when transplanting to avoid roots from drying out
