"Every plant has a story . . . ."

R. rex ssp. rex

R. rex ssp. rex 'Quartz' (Photo by Hank Helm)

This is indeed the king of shrubs! Its glossy, leathery leaves are a commanding size and deserve respect. The tawny indumentum on the underside of the leaf adds interest, but the crowning glory is the truss of up to thirty white flowers flushed with rosy tints, or darker with deep purple spot in 'Quartz' pictured here. Truly regal!

This is one of the great species of western China – by growing it here, you may help to preserve this important gene pool which is threatened in its native habitat.

Our rex grew to 10 feet in 15 years in a woodland setting.   

Leaves can grow up to 12 inches, with a thick tawny orange indumentum (that fuzzy stuff on the underside of the leaf).  In China, these grow to 40 feet; here in Western Washington, you can expect a fifteen foot tree in about 20 years!

Rhododendrons in the wild are under constant environmental threat – so YOU can be a part of preserving the gene pool of this magnificent family of big leaf plants. 

This rhododendron will like:  Light shade - Fertilizer on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day - Gentle Watering - Well aerated soil - It’s hardy for western Washington.

Be the first in your neighborhood to grow this big leaf of the rhodie rex (king!) family!

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Last modified: 02/21/08  Copyright by Chimacum Woods, September 2005  All rights reserved.  

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