Rhododendron makinoi

Rhododendron makinoi, formerly known as Azalea makinoi, Rhododendron stenophyllum Makino or even Rhododendron yakushimanum subsp. makinoi, is a rare Japanese botanical species in cultivation. It is a small evergreen bush with long dark green leaves covered with a grey-brown felt on the underside. Its spring flowering consists of delicate trumpet-shaped flowers in pale pink-white clusters. The plant is very hardy, but it should be planted in a location protected from intense sunlight and wind, both in the garden and in pots. Like other rhododendrons, it thrives in a humid climate and humus-rich acidic soil.

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, preferring predominantly limestone-free soils, with an acidic tendency and humid climates. Rhododendron makinoi grows in the mountains of Honshu island, up to 2000 m (6500ft) altitude. This plant was awarded the Garden Merit Award (A.G.M) in England in 1993. Slow-growing, this small bush generally reaches 80cm (32in) in height and 70cm (28in) in width at the age of 10 years. Its young shoots are downy and hairy, with persistent bud scales on the branches. The leaves, evergreen and leathery, measure from 7 to 18cm (3 to 7in) in length and 1 to 2.5cm (1in) in diameter. They are narrowly lanceolate, slightly curled at the edges. Their upper surface is smooth, glossy, and dark green in colour, while the lower surface is covered with a thick white to tawny felt composed of tiny hairs. Flowering takes place in May-June, more or less early or late depending on the climate. Grouped in tight corymbs of 5 to 10 units, the pink flower buds open into funnel-shaped pale pink-tinged white flowers. The inside of the flower is speckled with red.

Like all yakushimanum-type rhododendrons, Rhododendron makinoi is hardy to -15°C, even -20°C. It is a rare plant that will delight collectors of ericaceous shrubs. In favourable climates and soil conditions like in Edinburgh, when planted in groups, it creates magnificent masses subtly illuminated by the pale undersides of the leaves. Place it in a slightly shaded area of the garden, along with large ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons to create superb patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Cultivating it in containers requires regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertilizers for ericaceous plants.