Forrest Rhododendron

A prostrate to low-growing evergreen shrub native to southeastern Tibet, Yunnan (China), northern Burma, and Arunachal Pradesh (India). Fleshy tubular bell-shaped flowers, 1½ to 2 inches long, bright scarlet or crimson, borne singly or in pairs. A parent of many important red-flowered hybrids including 'Elizabeth' and 'Carmen'.

The creeping habit and jewel-like scarlet flowers have made this species one of the most important parents in rhododendron hybridization. Notoriously difficult in cultivation; requires cool, moist conditions with sharp drainage. Acidic, well-drained soil. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.