The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Wilson rhododendron

Family: Ericaceae (heath family)

Synonym: Rhododendron 'Wilsonii'

Distribution: hybrid: Rhododendron carolinium × R. ferrugineum

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Evergreen shrub

Comments: Growing to 3' to 4' tall in 10 years, this lepidote (leaves with scales) evergreen rhododendron is covered with light pink to white flowers early in spring. It is a slow-growing plant and spreads about as wide as tall. The small leaves are aromatic when bruised.