R. wumingense

R. wumingense CDHM#14724 (Maddenia). A completely new species to science and totally new in cultivation. This is a very dwarf member of subsection Maddenia that is known to occur on only one isolated mountain in southern Guangxi Province, China. It has tiny elliptic leaves typically an inch or less in length. In the wild it forms tight, low domes on the tops of boulders and on cliffsides. This species has very large flowers considering the relatively small size of the plant and leaves. These are borne in clusters of two or three and are pure white with reflexing petals – quite different from any other rhododendron. Although this is native to southern China I have a feeling that it will be much hardier than its provenance would suggest – especially considering the various hardy species that have come in recently from Vietnam which is just to the south of where this species occurs. Very slow-growing so far, best with good drainage. Might be best in a container or hanging basket in colder climates or at least until we have an idea of its hardiness (please let us know!). Blooming-sized plants. (+10?R11) RSBG#173sd2012.