Rhododendron fortunei

Fortune's rhododendron is found in the Fortunea subsection and is named after Robert Fortune, 1812-1880. Fortune was a hugely successful British plant collector who was very knowledgeable about the species.

 

It was the first of the Chinese rhododendrons to be introduced to Britain.

 

Evergreen erect shrub 2-3 m in height, without scaly pubescence. The crown is widely spreading. Shoots are thick, naked. Leaves 10-20 in length, broadly obverse lanceolate or obverse lanceolate, less often oblong or elliptical, short-pointed, light green above, glaucous below, dull, glabrous on both sides, except for the pubescent base of the lower half of the leaf. Flowers with a wonderful and strong aroma, collected in the number of 10-12 pieces in loose flat cluster-shaped clusters at the tops of the shoots, at first gently pink with a yellowish-greenish throat, then gradually losing color and finally pure white. Corolla 5, 5-8, 5 cm in diameter, open-bell-shaped or funnel-bell-shaped, with 7, occasionally 8 open, blunt, delicate lobes. Stamens, 14 in number, are smooth, the column and ovary are glandular pubescent. Blooms in May-June, profusely and for a long time. It grows rapidly, with an annual growth rate of 10-15 cm.

 

R. fortunei is the hardiest of the Fortunea subsection, a partial list of which includes: R. decorum, diaprepes, griffithianum, orbiculare, oreodoxa, praevernum, sutchuenense, and vernicosum.

 

USDA Hardiness Zone (°F): 6 (-10 to 0 °F)