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:

salmon, pink, red

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

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:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days; surface sow on moist acidic medium.