Rhododendron calophytum explained

Rhododendron calophytum, the beautiful-face rhododendron, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae that is native to the forests of central and eastern China, where it lives at altitudes of .^[1] Growing to tall and broad, it is a substantial evergreen shrub. The leathery leaves are narrow and up to long. In early Spring trusses of bell-shaped, white or pale pink flowers, spotted with maroon inside, are produced.^[2]

In cultivation in the UK, Rhododendron calophytum has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^{[3] [4]} Like most rhododendrons it prefers an acid soil. It is hardy down to -15C.

Lower taxa

• Rhododendron calophytum var. calophytum
• Rhododendron calophytum subsp. jinfuense Fang ex M.Y. Fang
• Rhododendron calophytum var. jinfuense Fang & W.K. Hu
• Rhododendron calophytum var. openshawianum (Rehder & E.H. Wilson) D.F. Chamb.
• Rhododendron calophytum var. pauciflorum W.K. Hu^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Rhododendron calophytum . Flora of China . 2 October 2018.
2. Book: Brickell . Christopher . The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants . 2008 . 890 . Dorling Kindersley . United Kingdom . 9781405332965.
3. Web site: RHS Plantfinder - Rhododendron calophytum . 2 October 2018.
4. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . July 2017 . 85 . Royal Horticultural Society . 2 October 2018.
5. Web site: Rhododendron calophytum Franch.. Tropicos . 3 October 2018.