Rhododendron falconeri, the falconer rhododendron, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, native to the eastern Himalayas. It is a large evergreen shrub or tree, and sometimes the dominant canopy tree, that typically grows to in height, with leathery leaves that are elliptic to obovate in shape and usually about in length. Flowers are white to cream, pale yellow, or pinkish, with a prominent purple blotch.
It occurs from eastern Nepal through Sikkim and Bhutan, as well as adjacent areas of northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal). It grows at altitudes of .
In cultivation in the UK, Rhododendron falconeri has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is hardy down to but requires a sheltered position. Like most rhododendrons it needs an acid soil that is rich in leaf mould.
References
External links
Rhododendr. Sikkim-Himalaya 1: t. 10 1849. The Plant List Species Portrait: Rhododendron falconeri Hooker F., 1849, Steve Hootman, Journal American Rhododendron Society, Volume 57, Number 2, Spring 2003. Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden Hirsutum
