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.
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