Rhododendron souliei

Thought to be one of the most attractive species plant when in flower, this plant has lovely white saucer shaped flowers flushed pink in May - June. A very beautiful medium sized shrub with metallic blue-green young growth and attractive rounded leaves. Height 80-100cm in 10 years.

It does need excellent drainage, protection for young growth and will perform best in lightly shaded woodland.

• Recommended for the most beautiful flower.
• Plantsman range.
• Ideal position: needs careful site selection and good drainage.
• Habit: open.
• Group: Species Rhododendron.
• Subsection: Campylocarpa.
• Introduction date: (pre 1950) 1903.
• Species distribution: Yunnan.
• Approximate altitude: 3,000 to 4,550m.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.0
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H5.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Seed.

Good to know

Species Rhododendrons often have wonderful foliage, but are fairly specialist and are best grown by more experienced gardeners.

These are the plants which were discovered by plant collectors, growing in the wild in the Himalayas and other mountain regions of the world. Being species they do not have the ‘hybrid vigour’ of named varieties, but they often do have great character and interest in flower and foliage. We pride ourselves in one of the best ranges of rhododendron species in the country, and we try to propagate these from recognised good forms. These may be identified by the original plant collector’s seed number, (eg R. denudatum EGM 294) or by a clonal name given to a selected plant (eg R. degronianum ‘Ho Emma’). Many new species rhododendrons have been introduced in the last 25 years, and many are well worth growing for their foliage alone!  

Rhododendrons like moist acidic soil, with good drainage, and plenty of organic matter such as leaf-mould and added ericaceous compost. Species should be given the best planting positions, which are neither too wet nor too dry. Yellow varieties need especially good drainage. For a guide to plant spacing, use the height we give in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Plant no deeper than the top of the rootball, and dig in plenty of good ericaceous compost around the sides. Most species require very little fertilizer and half a teaspoon of slow release feed is sufficient for a 3 litre plant, rising to a tablespoonful for a mature plant. Those in the taliensia and neriiflora subsections are particularly salt-sensitive, and should only be fed with a mulch. Most species in this section are not troubled by deer and rabbits.

Please note: It can take a number of years before some species start to flower, but often you can enjoy some lovely foliage while you are waiting. Flower colour of species can vary considerably from one clone to the next. eg R. campanulatum can flower from white to pink or deep lilac, and R. arboreum flowers from red to pink to white depending upon the elevation collected. Typically, species are not recommended for growing in pots, as it is too difficult to provide the necessary care that they need.

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