Common Name:

General Information

Rhododendron adamsii is a dwarf, evergreen shrub with spreading branches; it can grow 35 - 55cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for use as an ingredient of commercial cosmetic preparations.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern Siberia, Russian Far East, Mongolia

Habitat

Forming thickets in the alpine and subalpine zones and at the timberline[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Rhododendron adamsii is native to the cold temperate zone of northern Asia where it can experience winter temperatures down to -30°c or lower.
Rhododendron species generally succeed when grown in a non-compacted, humus rich lime free soil and a position with some shade, preferably light woodland shade. They strongly dislike soils of a dry arid nature, heavy soils or clays[]. Prefers a peaty or well-drained sandy loam[]. Succeeds in sun or shade, the warmer the climate the more shade a plant requires[]. Requires a pH between 4.5 and 5.5[].
Rhododendron species are mainly woodland species that grow well in the dappled shade and shelter given by the other woodland plants. They are surface-rooting species with a fibrous root system, however, and do not grow well close to trees that are also surface-rooting, nor do they do well with ground cover or other small plants growing over or into their roots[, ].
Plants form a root ball and are very tolerant of being transplanted, even when quite large, so long as the root ball is kept intact[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An extract of the leaves and stems is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a humectant, skin conditioner and hair conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn and given artificial light. Alternatively sow the seed in a lightly shaded part of the warm greenhouse in late winter or in a cold greenhouse in mid spring. Surface-sow the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry[]. Pot up the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter.
Layering in late July. Takes 15 - 24 months[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, August in a frame[].