Rhododendron kyawii
A half-hardy evergreen shrub or small tree, ranging in height from 3-9m, with elliptic to oblong leaves up to 30cm long. Young shoots and leaves are coated with fine downy hairs. Late flowering, producing clusters of 10-15 bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, from early to mid summer
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Rhododendron can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves, sometimes with a dense colourful indumentum of hairs on the lower side, and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers that may be solitary or in short racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N Myanmar to China
How to grow
Cultivation
In mild, frost-free areas, may be grown outdoors in a sheltered position, in moist but well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil. Position in partial or dappled shade, and add an annual organic mulch (ideally leaf mould). In colder areas, may be grown under glass in ericaceous compost. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, by layering in autumn, or by grafting in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Needs minimal pruning, though restrictive pruning may be required if grown under glass. See pruning group 8 (evergreens) for guidance
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron and azalea whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, Pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, honey fungus, silver leaf and Phytophthora, as well as more specific Rhododendron diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.