Rhododendron calophytum, the beautiful-face rhododendron,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae that is native to the forests of central and eastern China, where it lives at altitudes of 1,400–4,000 m (4,600–13,100 ft).[2] Growing to 12 m (39 ft) tall and 8 m (26 ft) broad, it is a substantial evergreen shrub. The leathery leaves are narrow and up to 30 cm (12 in) long. In early Spring trusses of bell-shaped, white or pale pink flowers, spotted with maroon inside, are produced.[3]

Rhododendron calophytum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Ericaceae
Genus:	Rhododendron
Species:	R. calophytum
Binomial name
Rhododendron calophytum Franch.

In cultivation in the UK, Rhododendron calophytum has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[1][4] Like most rhododendrons it prefers an acid soil. It is hardy down to −15 °C (5 °F).

Lower taxa

• Rhododendron calophytum var. calophytum
• Rhododendron calophytum subsp. jinfuense Fang ex M.Y. Fang
• Rhododendron calophytum var. jinfuense Fang & W.K. Hu
• Rhododendron calophytum var. openshawianum (Rehder & E.H. Wilson) D.F. Chamb.
• Rhododendron calophytum var. pauciflorum W.K. Hu[5]

References