Plant ID

[johnall]

I have attached a photograph of what I believe is a Alpine Rhododendron species. Any insight into the botanical name would be appreciated. The foliage is very fine, a little like rosemary.

[Maggi Young]

Lovely little plant - I still call these Ledum - but they're now subsumed into Rhododendron.
I cannot see very well from the photos but it may be Ledum palustre  or even the hybrid known as 'Arctic Tern'  - if you search around Ledum/Rhododendron you'll get a better idea.

http://caliban.mpipz.mpg.de/thome/band4/tafel_005.html

http://www.rhodogarden.com/cross/ledum_taxonomy.html

[johnralphcarpenter]

I grow "Arctic Tern". Could well be that.

[johnall]

Some good detective work going on here. I was originally thinking Rhododendron ledoides , however with the foliage, at the moment I am leaning toward Rhododendron trichostomum. I have included a closer image of flower and foliage.

Any thoughts on that possibility.

[johnw]

The first shot appeared to have quite long leaves closer to a former Ledum.

With the closer shot it does look like trichostomum. Give the foliage a rub, if it smells of strawberries it's a Pogonantha and likely trichostomum.

john

[Otto Fauser]

John ,  in flower at the moment in my garden is Rhodo. trichostomum 'Collingwood Ingram's var.' -how does it compare with your plant ?

[johnall]

Hello Otto,

Yes I think that you have it, VERY similar except for the flower colour.
I do like your variety. In Australia, how much sun? Mine gets morning sun in summer, full sun winter. 

And Johnw, yes the foliage does smell a little like strawberries.....

So I will go with Rhodo. trichostomum that as the species.


Thanks to both of you

John

[Maggi Young]

Much better photo now , johnall.  Those flowers are saying R. trichstomum to me .

Most of the Ledums have very exerted stamens, giving the flowers a very starry appearance.

[Thorkild Godsk]

Rhododendron trichostomum
It stands on the north and get a lot of wind. In winter there may be down to - 15 ° frost, so it is very hardy. It is approximately 30 years old.
Thorkild DK.

[Maggi Young]

Oh my! That is a beauty, Thorkild.

[johnw]

Otto  - Coincidentally both trichostomum 'Rae Berry' and the Jens Birck form are in flower here too and have been for 5-6 weeks.

Jens' photo of his selection.

Superb tricho there Thorkild!

johnw - +12c