Description
Pronounced “chow-ja-en-se” , this rare broadleaf evergreen species hails from NE Yunnan, China. Shell pink-mauve to white flowers are slightly fragrant which isn’t unexpected being a member of the Fortunea subsection. Roundish leaves are bronze when new then age to a deep lovely green. Thought to be related to R. decorum but its form is shorter, shrubbier with rounder leaves. With all the lovely rhodos at the plant sale, this beauty stood out as a must have. Prefers open woodland type shade gardens. First described in 2005 and released to the horticulture world in 2008.
- Seed Count: 25-30
- Collection Date: November 2024
- Hardiness Zone: 6-9
- Height and Width: 2-4m x 2-4m
- Habitat: semi sunny sites (open forest); well draining humus rich acidic moist soils.
- Family: Ericaceae
How to germinate Rhododendron qiaojiaense 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/WHY, 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.
