Rhododendron × sheilae (Sleumer) Argent

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New article for Trees and Shrubs Online.

Recommended citation
'Rhododendron × sheilae' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/rhododendron/rhododendron-x-sheilae/). Accessed 2023-06-07.

Genus

Other taxa in genus

Glossary

hybrid
Plant originating from the cross-fertilisation of genetically distinct individuals (e.g. two species or two subspecies).
abaxial
(especially of surface of a leaf) Lower; facing away from the axis. (Cf. adaxial.)

Credits

New article for Trees and Shrubs Online.

Recommended citation
'Rhododendron × sheilae' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/rhododendron/rhododendron-x-sheilae/). Accessed 2023-06-07.

Shrub to 2 m, terrestrial; stems finely scaly at first. Leaves 1.5-4 x 0.4-1.3 cm, narrowly elliptic, the apex rounded or slightly retuse, the margin reflexed and minutely crenulate, the base narrowly tapering; upper surface finely scaly at first but quickly glabrescent, midrib impressed, lateral veins 4-5 pairs, inconspicuous; lower surface with the midrib raised, lateral veins inconspicuous. Flowers 3-6 per umbel, horizontal to half-hanging; calyx a low scaly ring; corolla reddish purple, 2.5-3.2 x 1.7-2.4 cm, sparsely scaly and finely white-hairy outside; stamens 10 distributed around the mouth of the flower; ovary densely white-hairy and obscurely scaly, style glabrous. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  Malaysia Sabah. Kinabalu, east ridge

Habitat 3,200-3,700 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H2

Taxonomic note (R. abietifolium Sleumer x R. buxifolium Low ex Hooker f.) Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Sometimes seen in lists as a species this natural hybrid is quite variable. It is a very attractive plant with the young leaves flushing red and is far more vigorous and easy to cultivate than either of its parents. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)