Description
Hailing from the open forests and rocky slopes of Sichuan, China this rhododendron can withstand a good deal of sun where it forms a distinctive rounded form that is wider than tall. If grown in shady sites, it becomes leggy and perhaps not very happy. We had its hybrid offspring “Odjick’s Favorite” and planted it in dappled shade. The poor thing struggled then died. We did not know it preferred full sun. It was my favorite rhodo at the time with its smooth lovely green rounded leaves and beautiful peach flowers. Lesson learned. Don’t make our mistake.
- Seed Count: 25-30
- Collection Date: November 2025
- Hardiness Zone: 7-9
- Height and Width: 2m x 2m
- Habitat: full to semi sun; well draining humus rich acidic moist soils.
- Family: Ericaceae
How to germinate Rhododendron orbiculare seeds
Rub peat moss through a 4mm screen to create fine lump free milled peat moss. Add 20/30 filter sand (10% content max) and greensand at 1 tbsp/gallon of medium). Moisten, blend well and fill pots/flats/WHT, tamp firm. Sprinkle seeds thinly on medium surface. Mist well. Give gentle warmth (20-25C). Lightly mist daily. Provide strong indirect light. Clear plastic cover helps maintain humidity and enhance germination /seedling survival by not letting medium desiccate. Seeds should germinate in 10 days. Never let seedlings nor medium dry out nor over water. Prick out when large enough to handle into individual pots and grow on. Shallow rooted. Be warned seedlings have very fine hair like roots and can damage easily. Have pots ready to receive when transplanting to avoid roots from drying out.
