Rhododendron kaempferi

Rhododendron kaempferi

Native to:
Japan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ericaceae
Genus:
Rhododendron
Species:
Rhododendron kaempferi
USDA Symbol:
RHKA2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
red, orange, pink, salmon
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
orange, red

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers organic matter-rich soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; sow on surface of acidic, moist medium.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Requires light or the seed is very fine. Surface sow and expose to light. * sprinkle seed on 10 cm damp sphagnum moss; cover with clear plastic pop bottle cut in half; transplant seedling to acidic mix in shade outdoors when 5 cm high; protect from rodents and give protection in cold frame first winter

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society