About
Rhododendron sutchuenense, the Szechwan rhododendron, is a large evergreen shrub or small tree to 8 m with drooping leaves up to 30 cm long and thick young shoots. Trusses of up to ten bell-shaped, pale-pink to rosy-lilac flowers spotted red or purple are borne in late winter and early spring. One of the finest large-leaved rhododendrons for a sheltered, moist, acid woodland garden.
About the genus
Rhododendron, the rhododendrons and azaleas, are a vast genus of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees producing simple leaves � sometimes with a dense, colourful indumentum beneath � and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers in a wide range of colours in spring and early summer. They thrive in moist, acid, humus-rich, well-drained soil in dappled shade.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Native toW China
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, leafy, humus-rich acid soil in part shade with shelter; see rhododendron cultivation
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed when ripe, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, layering in autumn or grafting in late summer or late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron and azalea whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to various Rhododendron diseases including powdery mildews, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast, silver leaf and honey fungus