Rhododendron wiltonii

Rhododendron wiltonii, a little-known Chinese mountain species, deserves a place in our gardens. This botanical Rhododendron is stunning in spring when clusters of eye-catching, pale pink flowers appear. It is evergreen and ornamental all year round thanks to its original foliage, with dark green glossy upper surfaces and short-haired, cinnamon-brown lower surfaces. It is very hardy and only dislikes limestone and drought. Therefore, it will thrive in humus-bearing, acidic, and moist soil, under light shade.

Rhododendrons are members of the Ericaceae family, which includes many ornamental genera (Kalmia, Leucothoe, Erica, Calluna, Oxydendrum, Gaultheria, Pieris...) as well as some small fruits (Vaccinium: blueberry, Arbutus: strawberry tree, Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi: bearberry...). Rhododendron wiltonii is native to mountainous areas of Guizhou and western Sichuan provinces (central-southern China), where it grows at altitudes ranging from 2200 to 3500 m. In its native habitat, this relatively slow-growing species can reach a height of up to 4.5 m, much less in cultivation under our climates. Therefore, in 10 years, it will only reach a maximum height of 70 cm to 1 m, with an equivalent width, forming a naturally dense and attractive ball shape. Over time, a mature specimen will reach 2 m, possibly 2.50 m, which is perfect for small gardens or mixed borders.
This Rhododendron is ornamental in more ways than one. Its sculptural habit is particularly elegant, with upright brown stems that contrast beautifully with the dark, horizontally spread leaves, forming a regular spherical shape. The evergreen foliage is extremely attractive throughout the year. The lanceolate leaves, with harmonious proportions, measure approximately 13 cm in length and 4 cm in width. Their upper surface, a superb shiny dark green, is quite deeply veined, giving them a pleasing slightly embossed appearance. The lower surface, on the other hand, is covered in a downy coat of cinnamon-brown hairs, which contrasts pleasantly with the dark green.
In April, numerous dark pink flower buds appear, clustered in groups of about 10 at the ends of the shrub's branches. They open into trumpet-shaped flowers of a paler pink, almost white, with a red-spotted centre, measuring approximately 4 to 5 cm. A cluster of 10 white stamens, with brown tips, surrounds the also white pistil, ending with a touch of yellow. Spanning April and May, this flowering period lasts for 3 weeks, creating a magnificent spectacle against the dark background of the foliage.
Very hardy due to its mountainous origin, this Rhododendron can withstand temperatures as low as -23°C. It is more sensitive to heat and especially drought than cold or humidity. It requires acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 6) that is humus-bearing, retaining water well, particularly in summer, but without excess in winter. In other words, it will generally need to be watered during the hot period.

Rhododendron wiltonii is a gem for the garden. While many varieties are primarily valued for their flowering, it adds the interest of truly decorative foliage, combined with a sculptural habit that will work well in a contemporary setting. You can easily integrate it into an ericaceous soil bed alongside other uncommon shrubs such as Enkianthus or Campanulate Andromeda, a charming shrub with a slightly wild appearance that is adorned with small pink bells in May-June. One size up, Cornus kousa Scarlet Fire, a Japanese Dogwood with a long spring flowering period, consisting of large fuchsia pink floral bracts, will create a beautiful background for your Rhododendron. And to provide welcome shade for all these shrubs, the immense leaves of Magnolia officinalis biloba, which split into two lobes at the tip, will complete this scene of rare beauty while its large 20 cm diameter white flowers will delight you with their sweet fragrance in spring.