Rhododendron spinuliferum Franch.

An upright shrub, 0.6–4.5 m; young shoots covered with filiform hairs, also with setae with swollen bases. Leaves 2.5–9.5 × 0.6–4.5 cm, lanceolate to elliptic, upper surface bullate, with filiform hairs that persist only along midrib, lower surface scaly and with setae that are soon deciduous though with swollen bases persisting around the margins. Flowers (l-)2–5, in a loose axillary terminal inflorescence; calyx disc-like, densely pubescent; corolla crimson to yellowish, tubular, 17–23 mm; stamens 10, exserted; ovary scaly, densely tomentose, impressed below the declinate style. Flowering April-May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997).

Distribution  China C & S Yunnan, Guizhou

Habitat (800–)1,800–2,500 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H4

Awards AM 1974 (N.T. Holman, Chyverton, Truro) to a clone 'Jack Hext'; flowers red, paler below. AM 1977 (National Trust for Scotland, Brodick Castle Gardens) to a clone 'Blackwater'; flowers red, greenish white at base.

Conservation status Least concern (LC)

Taxonomic note This is a somewhat tender species that is generally distinctive on account of its tubular flowers, though some forms of R. scabrifolium do approach it. Only var. spinuliferum is known in cultivation. Royal Horticultural Society (1997).