Rhododendron traillianum dictyotum 'Kathmandu'

(TALIENSIA H7) White flowers with a crimson blotch and crimson spots on the upper lobe, upright truss. April - May. This is a handsome foliage plant with dark green pointed leaves, and thin felty continuous cinnamon coloured indumentum on undersides. Height 75-100 cm in 10 years, growing eventually to around 3-4 metres tall.

R. traillianum was named after G.W. Traill (1836-1897), botanist and father-in-law of the great plant collector, George Forrest. This plant was presumably collected by George Forest who sent seed to Exbury Gardens, where this clone was selected (EX2907) and received AM in 1965. Rhododendron traillianum dictyotum 'Kathmandu' is not a good name and it is misleading. This species is found growing between 3000-4600 metres in SE Tibet, NW Yunnan, and SW Sichuan, but it does not grow anywhere near Kathmandu which is in Nepal!

• Recommended for fantastic foliage.
• Easy to grow.
• Ideal position: sheltered woodland.
• Habit: upright.
• Group: Species Rhododendron.
• Subsection: Taliensia.
• Introduction date: pre 1950 (1910).
• Species distribution: Yunnan, SW Sichuan, SE Tibet.
• Approximate altitude: 3,000 to 4,600m.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.5.
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H6.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Graft

The Basics

Ideal soil

Acidic soil, good organic content, pH 4.5-6.0. Inkarho range of rhododendrons will tolerate soils up to pH7.5

Sun or Shade

Light dappled shade is best for most varieties.

Shelter

Refer to hardiness rating. Give young plants protection.

Site Selection

Avoid close to trees, roots, invasive weeds, walls, hot patios, dry banks and waterlogged soils. Do not use weed matting or stone mulch.

Plant spacing

Use the height shown in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Allow room for plant to fill out. If planting closer for instant impact, be prepared to move plants after a few years.

Compost

• 3 litre pot, dig in 10-20 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 7.5 litre pot, dig in 20-30 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 70-80cm specimen, dig in 60 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 100-120cm specimen, dig in 120 litres of ericaceous compost.

Planting depth

Plant high in the ground, with the top of the rootball visible.

Feeding

Slow-release ericaceous feed recommended in March and straight after flowering.

Mulch

Recommended every few years.

Water

The key ingredient! Keep moist all season, especially the critical time at end of June for flower bud initiation. Tap water is better than no water. Heavy dose at least once per week in dry weather.

Drainage

Ensure good drainage in winter, especially with yellow flowering varieties. Avoid waterlogged sites.

Pruning

Rhododendrons and Camellias: Not normally required. Tidy wayward shoots after flowering.

Evergreen azaleas and Bloombux can be clipped into a low hedge.

Magnolias and Acers: Formative pruning when young to shape into a tree or bush.

Deadheading

Remove old flower-heads, particularly on young or weak plants.

For further advice see here

Size Guide

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