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Potomac Valley Chapter
of the
American Rhododendron Society
Species Focus
R. houlstonii (R. fortunei ssp. discolor)

Rhododendron houlstonii at Gable's Nursery

R. houlstonii, Gable In the hybridizing records of Joe Gable, he used the Chinese species R. houlstonii ( pictured right) in a number of crosses. This photograph was taken at Gable's Nursery by Ray and Jane Goodrich as were the other two photos below. This species was one of the parents of "Dr. Rock" with the other parent being R. vernicosum aff. R #18139, probably "Mt. Siga". Read Jane Goodrich's article in our Fall 2003 Newsletter on the "The Past is Prologue" about some lesser known Gable Rhododendrons.

The species name R. houlstonii is no longer valid since it is now considered part of the R. fortunei group, but grows in a more western part of China than the typical species. It has been further distinguished as a form of the subspecies discolor but should have its own distinction since houlstonii blooms in May whereas the typical form of discolor blooms much later in June or July.

 Mt. Siga
Mt. Siga
 Dr. Rock
Dr. Rock

R. houlstonii is hardy in our eastern environments but tends to be a shy bloomer when young, but its flowers are well worth the wait. Jane Goodrich has raised a number of open pollinated seedlings of R. houlstonii and some of them have interesting new growth with very attractive reddish color as the foliage expands. (pictured below) Both cuttings and seed of R. houlstonii, op have been offered in our Plants for Members for the Potomac Valley Chapter.

 R. houlstonii, op, foliage
R. houlstonii, op
Foliage
 R. houlstonii, op, flower
R. houlstonii, op
Flower

Copyright © Donald W. Hyatt

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