Description
Rhododendron valentinianum aff./var. oblongilobatum aff./species nova? This is a dwarf and mounding, "alpine form" of this very confusing species complex and represents the form as known from the top of the highest mountain in N Vietnam. Masses of deep yellow waxy flowers with hairy, deeply bullate, glossy green leaves. Much smaller and more compact than its close relative from just across the Red River in S Yunnan - the newly named valentinioides. Smooth and peeling reddish-brown bark. So far, this has proven to be quite hardy for a Maddenia. A stunning foliage plant with the darkest yellow flowers I have seen in a rhododendron. Grown from seed collected in the wild. A truly dwarf, deep yellow-flowered, and relatively hardy Maddenia. Sure to be one of our best-selling plants in years to come. (+5\R2\5) RSBG