Haematodes Rhododendron

A compact evergreen shrub native to western China (Yunnan and Tibet) and northeast Burma, reaching 3 feet. Tubular bell-shaped flowers about 2 inches long, glistening scarlet or deep crimson with a usually red calyx, in clusters of up to 10 blooms.

The intense scarlet-crimson coloration on a compact plant has made this species a valued parent for dwarf red hybrids. Compact habit and small mature size suit rock gardens and small-space plantings. Acidic, well-drained soil. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.