ALPEN ROSE RHODODENDRON Ferrugineum
Rhododendron ferrugineum, the alpenrose, snow-rose, or rusty-leaved alpenrose is an evergreen shrub that grows just above the tree line in the Alps, Pyrenees, Jura and northern Apennines, on acid soils. It may grow up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall and produces clusters of pinkish-red, bell-shaped flowers throughout the summer. The undersides of the leaves are covered in rust-brown spots, which give the species the second part of its binomial name (ferrugineum, Latin for 'rust-coloured, ferruginous').
Plants become smothered in blooms as flowers are numerous and spread over the entire plant! Leaves are evergreen, shiny, dark-green, and are attractive all year.
Location: Sun or part shade
Height: 1.5 m, 4.9 feet
Type: Hardy shrub
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Note: Ornamental use only. These seeds and/or plants may be poisonous.
Seeds per pack: 15
Germination: Plant these seeds on the surface of the soil (do not bury them), water and keep moist until germination. Place the pot in a clear plastic bag to help retain moisture/humidity on the seeds until they germinate, at which time the bag should be removed. Germination occurs in approximately 6 weeks. Keep at room temperature for germination.
