Common Name:

General Information

Rhododendron weyrichii is a deciduous shrub, often more tree-like in habit, growing from 1 - 5 metres tall[].
The plant is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic recipes. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern Japan, Korea

Habitat

Edges of evergreen forests or on rocky mountain slopes; at elevations from 20 - 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rhododendron weyrichii is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant. Although cold-tolerant when dormant, the flowers and young growth of Rhododendrons are very susceptible to damage by late frosts in regions where these are likely to occur after new growth has commenced in the spring[].
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 flowers is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a humectant, skin conditioner and protector[].
An extract of the whole plant is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in a shady part of the greenhouse in late winter or early spring[, ]. Another report says that the seed is best sown in the autumn as soon as it is ripe[]. Germination is variable and can be quite slow. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow the pots on in a shady frame for 18 months before planting them out into their permanent positions[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Plant out in spring. Fair percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn in a frame[].
Layering in the autumn. Takes 12 months[].
Division.