R. polytrichum

Rhododendron Species

Subgenus Hymenanthes
Section Pontica
Subsection Fortunea
Introduced 1500
Origin China
Epiphytic/Terrestrial terrestrial
Mature Wild Height 250 cm. (8ft.)
Bloom Time early
Flower broadly funnel-shaped
Flower Color white
Fragrance Highly-Scented
Leaves elliptic to oblanceolate
Leaf persistence Evergreen
Type Elepidote
Plant Hardiness -15 C (5 F)
Flower Bud
Hardiness
?
Additional
Hardiness Info
probably significantly hardier
Extra Information Very fragrant, hairy foliage, bristly petiole and strikingly bristly, bronzy new foliage
Title
polytrichum
Photo By
Peter Norris
Date Taken
May 9, 2025
Location
Martha's Vineyard, MA z7a
License
CC BY 4.0
Attribution
Text: Peter Norris via Rhododendra.com, CC BY 4.0
Sizes
Description
Large, fragrant flowers, bristly stems, petioles w ephemeral hairs on leaf surface