Rhododendron houlstonii at Gable's Nursery
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The species name R. houlstonii is no longer valid since it is now considered part of the R. fortunei group, but grows in a more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.
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Mt. Siga
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Dr. Rock
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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
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R. houlstonii, op
Flower
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