Rhododendron ferrugineum

Homeland of Rhododendron ferrugineum is Europe (Alps, Pyrenees, Apennines). It grows in the undergrowth of light mountain forests, in the subalpine and alpine mountain belts, at an altitude of 1500-2850 m above sea level. sea, settles on leached limestones.

 

Evergreen, low, densely branched shrub. Height 0.7 m, crown diameter up to 1 m. Creeping crown. The bark is grayish-brown. Leaves are leathery, ovate, 3-4 cm long, up to 1.5 cm wide. Above, dark green, shiny, below with rusty scale-like glands. Flowering is noted from late May to late June (30 days). The flowers are pink-red, rarely white, up to 2 cm in diameter, collected in inflorescences of b - 10 pieces.

 

The fruit is a capsule, the seeds are light brown, ripen in October. It grows slowly. Annual growth is 1-3 cm. Photophilous. It tolerates calcareous soils, but covered with a thick humus layer, preferably acidic (pH 4.5). It is quite winter-hardy. Alpine slides, single and group plantings on the lawn with the participation of rusty rhododendron will decorate the garden.

 

USDA Hardiness Zone (°F): 4 (-30 to -20 °F)