Rhododendron phoeniceum G.Don
Described as a good species by Lee. Rhododendron phoeniceum as described by Lee is an evergreen, tall-growing, early-flowering azalea with scarlet-red flowers. This accords with the description given by Galle, who believes that it is probably a hybrid with Rhododendron mucronatum as one parent. A large shrub, to 3m, with purple flowers, the upper segments of which are spotted.
Horticultural & Botanical History
This is the plant figured in Curtis's Botanical Magazine as Azalea ledifolia var. phoenicea, synonym Aazalea indica var. aliorus, with pinkish purple flowers, spotted a deeper colour. ‘The richly-coloured flowers of this plant makes a brilliant appearance in the greenhouse during the months of January and February, and form a striking contrast with the more frequent white-blossomed state; but the present is by no means so ready a flowerer. That it belongs to the same species (and not to the A. Indica) there can, I think, be no question; it possesses all the essential characters, and the fragrance is similar, or perhaps more powerful, and evident to persons who are insensible to that of the white kind.[BM t.3239/1833]. Rhododendron mucronatum is usually described with white flowers. See Rhododendron indicum ‘Alba’.
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.76/1843].
Notes
Rhododendron ledifolium D.Don is also given as a synonym of Rhododendron pulchrum Sweet by some authors.
The identity of Macarthur’s Azalea Indica phoenicea is uncertain. See also Rhododendron pulchrum Sweet.
Published Jan 16, 2009 - 01:38 PM | Last updated Sep 30, 2011 - 05:03 PM
Rhododendron phoeniceum G.Don | BM t.3239/1833 | BHL
| Family | Ericaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | China or Japan. Probably of garden origin. |
| Synonyms |
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| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Azalea Indica phoenicea
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| Confidence level | medium |
