Contents
Description
Rhododendron Fortunei is a species of evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Ericaceae. It is native to southern China and was named after Robert Fortune, a Scottish plant hunter. This plant has a rounded shape and can grow up to 6-10 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. Its leaves are dark green, leathery, and glossy. The flowers are funnel-shaped and bloom in the spring, producing clusters of pinkish-purple flowers with a darker red blotch on the upper lobe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Rhododendron |
Appearance
Rhododendron Fortunei has a dense, rounded shape and can grow up to 6-10 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. Its leaves are dark green, leathery, and glossy, and can be up to 6 inches long. The flowers are funnel-shaped and can be up to 2 inches wide. They bloom in the spring, producing clusters of pinkish-purple flowers with a darker red blotch on the upper lobe. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, becoming rough and scaly with age.
Care Guide
Rhododendron Fortunei requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the fall.
- Soil: Plant in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5. Add peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Plant in partial shade to filtered sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: Rhododendron Fortunei is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rhododendron Fortunei is vulnerable to some pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
- Spider mites: Small, red or yellow insects that spin webs on the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
- Phytophthora root rot: A fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent this disease.
- Bud blast: A fungal disease that causes the buds to turn brown and fall off. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent this disease.
Habitat
Rhododendron Fortunei is native to southern China, where it grows in forests and on mountainsides. It prefers well-draining, acidic soil and partial shade to filtered sunlight.
Question & Answer
Q: Can Rhododendron Fortunei grow in full sun?
A: No, Rhododendron Fortunei prefers partial shade to filtered sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Q: How often should I water Rhododendron Fortunei?
A: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Rhododendron Fortunei?
A: Rhododendron Fortunei is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Q: What should I do if my Rhododendron Fortunei has bud blast?
A: Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent this fungal disease.
Related Plants
- Rhododendron ‘Azurro’
- Rhododendron ‘Catawbiense Boursault’
- Rhododendron ‘Nova Zembla’
- Rhododendron ‘PJM’
- Rhododendron ‘Roseum Elegans’
References
- “Rhododendron Fortunei.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287238&isprofile=0&basic=rhododendron.
- “Rhododendron Fortunei.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/8013/rhododendron-fortunei/details.
- “Rhododendron Fortunei.” Plant Care Today, 28 Mar. 2021, plantcaretoday.com/rhododendron-fortunei.
