Augustine Rhododendron
Rhododendron augustinii
Ericaceae · broadleaf evergreen shrub · introduced
Last updated
An evergreen shrub native to Hubei and Sichuan, China, reaching 6 feet. Flowers range from white to deep violet-blue, usually with a yellow-green or brownish blotch on the upper lobes, about 1½ to 2 inches across.
Among the closest to true blue flower color available in the genus Rhododendron. Flower color varies considerably among seed-grown plants and clones; named selections offer more reliable blue tones. Acidic, well-drained soil. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.
Quick Facts
Root Colonization (Spring–Fall)
Infection at Bud Break
Apothecia Formation & Spore Release
Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)
+ 13 more — see full disease and pest lists below