Rhododendron (Rhododendron mucronulatum, Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 10(II): 155 (1837))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: Turcz.

Bibliography: Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 10(II): 155 (1837)

Year: 1837

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rhododendron

Vegetable: False

Observations: Russian Far East to N. & E. China and Korea, WC. & S. Japan

Description

Rhododendron, known scientifically as Rhododendron mucronulatum, is a vibrant and hardy member of the Ericaceae family. Originally documented in 1837 by the esteemed botanist Turcz. in the “Bulletin de la Société Impériale des Naturalistes de Moscou,” this striking plant hails from the diverse and lush regions of the Russian Far East, extending its presence through northern and eastern China and Korea, and gracing the landscapes of western, central, and southern Japan.

This species stands out for its ability to thrive in cooler climates, showcasing its resilience and adaptability. Characterized by its showy display of bright pink to lavender blooms, Rhododendron mucronulatum brightens early spring gardens, often flowering before its foliage fully emerges. These flowers, delicate yet abundant, are a crucial early food source for pollinators re-emerging after winter’s dormancy.

Rhododendrons possess evergreen to deciduous leaves, depending on their specific environments, which contribute to year-round visual interest and structural presence in gardens. The foliage, often lanceolate with a glossy upper surface, adds to the plant’s ornamental appeal. As the seasons shift, some varieties also exhibit appealing autumnal changes in leaf color, further enhancing their garden value.

This species prefers acidic, well-drained soils, often thriving in shaded to partially shaded locations where it can receive protection from the harshest midday sun. Given its origins in various parts of Asia, Rhododendron mucronulatum is also relatively pest-resistant and can tolerate wetter soil conditions better than many other species in its genus.

Overall, Rhododendron mucronulatum is not only a botanical gem for its historical context and vibrant presence but also a highly practical choice for gardeners seeking to add early-season color and robust, year-round foliage to their landscapes. Whether naturalized in woodland gardens or cultivated as a standout specimen plant, this Rhododendron continues to captivate and charm plant enthusiasts worldwide.

Common Names

Swe: storblommig vinteralpros
En: Rhododendron
Zh: 迎红杜鹃
Fi: Koreanalppiruusu
Ko: 진달래
Pl: Różanecznik ostrokończysty
Ru: Рододендрон остроконечный
Sv: Storblommig vinteralpros
Zh-tw: 迎紅杜鵑

Synonyms

• Rhododendron dauricum subsp. mucronulatum ((Turcz.) Vorosch.)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum var. taquetii ((H.Lév.) Nakai)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum f. lucidum ((Nakai) M.Kim)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum f. leucanthum (T.Yamaz.)
• Rhododendron dauricum var. mucronulatum ((Turcz.) Maxim.)
• Rhododendron dauricum var. ciliatum ((Nakai) E.H.Wilson)
• Rhododendron taquetii (H.Lév.)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum var. latifolium (Nakai)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum var. chejuense (Davidian)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum var. albiflorum (Nakai)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum f. albiflorum ((Nakai) Okuyama)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum var. lucidum (Nakai)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum f. ciliatum ((Nakai) Kitag.)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum var. ciliatum (Nakai)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum var. acuminatum (Hutch.)
• Rhododendron mucronulatum f. acuminatum ((Hutch.) Rehder)

Distribution

• Amur (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Primorye (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Jia Xu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Jia Xu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Jia Xu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Jia Xu (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 8, 2013 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Robyn Drinkwater (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 8, 2013 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Robyn Drinkwater (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 8, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 8, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 1, 2015 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – David Purvis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 1, 2015 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – David Purvis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Jia Xu (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/7328287)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:332920-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhododendron mucronulatum Turcz.)

Specifications

Growth