Rhododendron barbatum G.Don

Large shrub or small tree with coloured stems and peeling bark and bell-shaped crimson-scarlet flowers in globular heads.  [RHSD, Hortus, Hilliers’].

Horticultural & Botanical History

The date of introduction is unclear.  Paxton’s Dictionary gives a date of 1829, but also lists R. arboreum barbatum, 1837.  

History at Camden Park

It is possible that R. barbatum was received from Loddiges’ Nursery, from whom it was requested on 6th January 1845 [MP A2933-2, p.28], and again on 16th April, 1846 [MP A2933-1, p.147], because it is omitted from an amended list of desiderata sent to Sir William Hooker on 1st February, 1849, ‘as I have recently received from Loddiges many of the plants in a list of desiderata I forwarded last year.’  [MP A2933-1, p.177].

Notes

Published Jun 19, 2009 - 02:15 PM | Last updated Jul 18, 2010 - 11:32 AM


More details about Rhododendron barbatum G.Don
Family Ericaceae
Category
Region of origin

Himalayas

Synonyms
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Rhododendron barbatum 

Confidence level high