About
Rhododendron ochraceum is an evergreen rhododendron native to highland parts of south-west China and noted for its crimson flowers. It typically develops as a small tree to about 2–6 m tall with narrow, oblanceolate leaves 5–8.5 × 1.2–2.5 cm. Flowering in the UK occurs April to June. The combination of upright evergreen habit and rich crimson trusses makes it effective as a spring specimen.
About the genus
Rhododendron, from Ancient Greek ῥόδον (rhódon), meaning "rose", and δένδρον (déndron), meaning "tree", is a very large genus of about 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae). They can be either evergreen or deciduous. Most species are native to eastern Asia and the Himalayan region, but smaller numbers occur elsewhere in Asia, and in North America, Europe and Australia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Rhododendron", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rhododendron
In the garden
Rhododendron ochraceum is an evergreen species from Chongqing (Nanchuan), southern Sichuan and north-eastern Yunnan, occurring naturally at elevations of roughly 1,700–3,000 m. In the wild it grows as a small tree reaching about 2–6 m, bearing narrow oblanceolate leaves and clusters of crimson flowers that appear in spring. Plants from these montane origins tolerate cool summers and are best sited where they receive shelter from hot, drying conditions; a position with morning sun and afternoon shade suits the species. Soils that are rich in leaf mould or other humus and which drain freely will replicate the leaf-littered mountain slopes this rhododendron occupies. Avoid waterlogged heavy clays; mulching with an acidic, ericaceous mulch helps retain moisture without impeding drainage. In the UK it is most useful as a tall specimen for a woodland margin, a sheltered shrub border or a specialised rhododendron collection where there is space for a small tree. Expect its crimson trusses to appear April to June, providing a concentrated spring display against the narrow oblanceolate foliage rather than a long summer flowering period.
More in the Rhododendron genus
- Rhododendron 'Falling Snow'
- Rhododendron 'Libretto'
- Rhododendron 'Pink Cherub'
- Rhododendron 'Silver Thimbles' (V)
- Rhododendron trichostomum deep form
- Rhododendron 'Ben Vrackie' (K)
- Rhododendron 'Diana'
- Rhododendron Dramatic Dark ('Hachdram'PBR)