Rhododendron impeditum
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IMPEDITUM RHODODENDRON
Family: Ericaceae
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
China.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 4-6, 15-17.
USDA zones: 5-8.
Mature size:
Height: 24 inches (60 cm).
Width: 24 inches (60 cm).
Flowering period:
April-May.
Flowering attributes:
Funnel-shaped, purple-blue flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Tiny, evergreen, aromatic, gray-green leaves.
Growth habit:
Mounding.
Light:
Full sun to part shade.
Soil:
Humus rich, sharply-drained, acidic soil.
Pruning Methods:
Lightly prune for symmetry after the shrub has finished flowering, although it rarely needs pruning.
Rainy Side Notes
In the year 1911 plant explorer, George Forrest, discovered R. impeditum in Yunnan, China and brought it back to the The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in Scotland. It is a very popular plant for good reasons. In 1973, R. impeditum was featured on a postage stamp in Denmark in celebration for the 100th year of The Jutland Garden Society.
Found in alpine areas where it grows naturally, this little imp is a beautiful addition to the cultivated garden. The evergreen foliage and mounding habit of this rhododendron looks beautiful all year round in the Pacific Northwest garden. It is also suitable for bonsai.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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