Rhododendron maximum L.
A tall shrub or small tree with leaves to 10cm long, and compact trusses of slightly fragrant, funnel-shaped, light rose-purple or white flowers, spotted yellow-green inside , in early summer. To 3m. [RHSD, Hortus, Hilliers’, Millais].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This elegant tree, according to Catesby, adorns the western and remote parts of Pennsylvania, always growing in the most fertile soil, or on the rocky declivities of hills and river banks, in shady and moist places. […] Introduced in 1736, by Peter Collinson, Esq.’ [BM t.951/1806].
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1845 catalogue. It is listed in the 1836 edition of Loddiges’ Nursery catalogue, a copy of which is held and Camden Park [CPA], and marked with a ‘c’ in this copy, indicating grown at Camden.
Notes
Rhododendron maximum Hook. (1837) = Rhododendron macrophyllum D.Don ex G.Don
Published Jun 18, 2009 - 05:25 PM | Last updated Jul 18, 2010 - 11:33 AM
Rhododendron maximum L. | BM t.951/1806 | BHL
| Family | Ericaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | North America |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Great laurel, Rosebay |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Rhododendron maximum |
| Confidence level | high |