Rhododendron prinophyllum

Introduction

Rhododendron prinophyllum (synonymous with R. roseum can be found from southwestern Quebec, through New England and northern Ohio, to Appalacian Mountains at the higher elevations. The flowers are typically rose pink measuring 1.2 to 1.8 inches across and are very fragrant.

Assumed to be a form of R. periclymenoides (R. nudiflorum) since its first mention in 1787, it was first described as a distinct species in 1914 by Small but had been under cultivation as A. rosea in Europe before 1812. R. prinophyllum can be distinguised from periclymenoides by a number of characteristics including the fact that it is ususally deeper pink in color and with a strong cinnamon to clove fragrance. Also, the blossom it is more funnel shaped with comparatively short flower tube, and the pedicels (flower stalks) are longer than the other species.

R. prinophyllum is a wonderful landscape plant for north eastern gardens, but may be more difficult in the south because of summer heat.


Distribution Map

Plants in the Wild

#094


Tucker Co., WV
(Dolly Sods Wilderness)
#095


Bedford Co., VA
(Blue Ridge Parkway)
#096


Tucker Co., WV
(Dolly Sods Wilderness)
#097


Bedford Co., VA
(Blue Ridge Parkway)


Variations in Flower Form

#098


Bedford Co., VA
(Blue Ridge Parkway)
#099


Bedford Co., VA
(Blue Ridge Parkway)
#100


Bedford Co., VA
(Blue Ridge Parkway)
#101


Bedford Co., VA
(Blue Ridge Parkway)
Acknowledgement:
The images presented here are reproduced with permission from color slides taken by the Species Study Group of the Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. The slides are numbered, and correspond to the sequence used in the program Eastern Native Azalea Species presented by George K. McLellan at the East Coast Regional Conference of the ARS in November 1999.

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East Coast Native Azaleas
R. vaseyi
R. canadense
R. canescens
R. austrinum
R. flammeum
R. periclymenoides
R. alabamense
R. atlanticum
R. calendulaceum
R. prinophyllum
R. viscosum
R. arborescens
R. cumberlandense
R. prunifolium
R. eastmanii

Identifying the Native Azaleas
INTRO
WHITE
PINK
ORANGE