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Rhododendron 'Loderi King George', a seedling from the hybrid R. griffithianum x R. fortunei, is one of my favourite plants, despite not being a dyed-in-the-wool
Rhododendron lover. I have tried for a few years to raise seedlings from it by crossing it with its sister cultivars, but so far without success. I have tried to plant it's sister cultivars
but have found sourcing them challenging. In the end I decided to set about obtaining the parent species and try to recreate the cross myself. It's a very long term project
but it started on its way when I obtained this seedling R. fortunei TH.5342 from Tom Hudson. It went straight into the garden and I hope it will establish. Trees and Shrubs online says: "R. fortunei is a beautiful rhododendron, and is of interest as the first hardy species of ‘true’ rhododendron (as distinct from azalea) received from China. Native of eastern China; discovered by Fortune in Chekiang province in 1855 and introduced to Glendinning’s nursery by means of seeds he collected the same autumn." The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden says: "Rhododendron fortunei ssp. fortunei This is a large and vigorous, upright evergreen shrub with smooth, bright green and glossy foliage. The large and showy fragrant flowers (late spring) are bright pink, providing a grand display. This is an easily grown, floriferous garden plant with heat and cold tolerance. One of the best all-around species. " |
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| 5th May 2023 | ||