Ward Rhododendron

An evergreen shrub native to Yunnan, Sichuan (China), and southeastern Tibet, reaching 4 feet. Cup to saucer-shaped flowers about 2½ inches across, clear lemon to bright yellow, occasionally flushed rose. An important parent in yellow-flowered hybrid breeding lines.

One of the most important species in yellow rhododendron hybridization, contributing clear yellow color and cup-shaped flower form to cultivars like 'Crest'. The saucer-shaped flowers distinguish it from the tubular or funnel forms typical of most species. Acidic, well-drained soil. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.