Family: Ericaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 392 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Rhododendron
Vegetable: False
Observations: Pyrenees, E. France to NW. Balkan Pen., Poland (Karkonosze Mts.)
Description
The Alpine-rose, known scientifically as Rhododendron ferrugineum, is a stunning plant that belongs to the Ericaceae family. This remarkable species was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum.”
Alpine-rose is predominantly found in the mountainous regions of Europe, with its range extending from the Pyrenees and Eastern France to the northwestern parts of the Balkan Peninsula and even reaching the Karkonosze Mountains in Poland. This hardy shrub thrives in the challenging conditions of these high-altitude environments, making it a true symbol of resilience and beauty.
Characterized by its vibrant flowers, the Alpine-rose brings a splash of color to the stark mountain landscapes. The blooms, often a brilliant pink to reddish hue, contrast beautifully with the rugged terrain, capturing the attention of hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. It is a favorite among alpine flora due to its striking appearance and its ability to flourish in the acidic, nutrient-poor soils typical of its native habitats.
The leaves of Rhododendron ferrugineum are equally remarkable. They are leathery and evergreen, providing the plant with a year-round presence in the alpine regions. The underside of the leaves often displays a rust-colored indumentum, a feature that not only helps to protect the plant from the harsh climatic conditions but also gives rise to its scientific name, ‘ferrugineum,’ which is derived from the Latin word for iron-rust.
Alpine-rose is not only appreciated for its visual appeal but also holds significant ecological importance. It plays a vital role in the alpine ecosystems, offering shelter and food for a variety of wildlife. Moreover, its robust nature makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of alpine charm to their rock gardens or landscape designs.
In summary, the Alpine-rose (Rhododendron ferrugineum) is an exceptional plant of the Ericaceae family, celebrated for its vivid flowers, resilient nature, and ecological contributions. Found in the high-altitude terrains of Europe, this species epitomizes the delicate balance between beauty and endurance in the natural world.
Common Names
Deu: rostblättrige alpenrose
Pol: różanecznik alpejski
Eng: alpenrose, alpine-rose, alpine rose, rhododendron, rusty-leaved alpenrose
Swe: rostalpros
En: Alpine-rose, Alpenrose, Snow-rose, Alpine Rose, Rhododendron, Rostblettrigi Alperose, Rusty-leaved Alpenrose, Alpen Rose
Ca: Abarset, Gavet, Neret, Abarjal, Boix de muntanya, Boix de Núria, Boix florit, Rododèndron, Talabard
Zh: 炎のアルペンローゼ, 阿爾卑斯玫瑰, 高山玫瑰杜鵑, 高山玫瑰杜鹃
Hr: Alpska ruža
Cs: Pěnišník rezavý
Da: Alperose (Rhododendron ferrugineum) ‘Wietings Select’, Alperose, Rhododendron ferrugineum ‘Wietings Select’, Rhododendron ferrugineum Wietings Select, Rustbladet Alperose
Nl: Alpenroos, Gewone alpenroos, Roestkleurig alpenroosje
Fi: Ruostealppiruusu
Fr: Laurier-rose des Alpes, Rhododendron ferrugineux, Rosage, Rose des Alpes
Ka: Ალპური ვარდი
De: Rostblättrige Alpenrose, Rostrote Alpenrose, Rostroter Almrausch, Echte Alpenrose, Rostfarbige Alpenrose
It: Rododendro rosso
Mk: Алпска роза
No: Alperose
Pl: Różanecznik alpejski
Ru: Рододендрон ржавый
Sr: Алпска ружа, Горска ружа, Рододендрон, Слец, Црвена алпска ружа
Sk: Rododendron hrdzavý
Es: Pentecostera, Rododendro, Azalea de montaña, Bujo, La-rosa, Laurel rosa, Laurel-rosa, Rosa de los Alpes, Talabarda
Sv: Rostalpros
Zh-hant: 高山玫瑰杜鵑
Synonyms
- Plinthochroma ferrugineum ((L.) Dulac)
- Rhododendron ferrugineum var. erectum (Millais)
- Rhododendron ferrugineum f. plenum (Rehder)
- Rhododendron ferrugineum f. atrococcineum ((Bean) Rehder)
- Rhododendron ferrugineum f. erectum ((Millais) Rehder)
- Rhododendron ferrugineum f. album ((D.Don) Zabel)
- Rhododendron ferrugineum var. atrococcineum (Bean)
- Rhododendron ferrugineum var. albiflorum (DC.)
- Rhododendron ferrugineum var. album (D.Don)
- Azalea ferruginea ((L.) Kuntze)
- Chamaerhododendron ferrugineum ((L.) Bubani)
- Rhododendron ferrugineum f. variegatum ((Bean) Rehder)
- Rhododendron germanicum var. ferrugineum ((L.) Hoppe)
- Rhododendron ferrugineum var. variegatum (Bean)
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Italy (native)
- Poland (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 18, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2019 by cld (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 16, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2018 by Florence Pradier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 5, 2022 by davidsignori (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 30, 2019 by Christophe Allard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 1, 2022 by Urs Hummel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 22, 2020 by Christian BORDENAVE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Antonio Rodríguez Sinovas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2021 by Kampf Robert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 31, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Daniel Diabelko (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 13, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2020 by alopobla (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2883073)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:332420-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhododendron ferrugineum L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Subshrub
Growth
Ph maximum: 4.5
Ph minimum: 4.0
Light: 6
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Soil nutriments: 3