Rhododendron kaempferi × yedoense var. poukhanense

Torch azalea

This azalea cultivar, one of dozens or even hundreds created by enthusiasts, is a cross between Rhododendron kaempferi and Rhododendron yedoense var. poukhanense, both of which are described below:

In 1690 Mr. Engelbert Kaempfer, a merchant from Holland introduced this species and other Japanese plants to Holland. R. kaempferi, called after him was imported again by Prof. Sargent to the USA in 1892, and then to England. After that to Europe, and here it proved to be hardy, and many hybridisers started to cross with it. The last thing I will mention is that the R. yedoense var. poukhanense from Korea is very hardy and so much used for hybridisation in the USA and in Europe. The seeds were imported first by Mr. J. Jack in 1905 to the Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
From The Story of Hybridization of Deciduous Azaleas in Western Europe, by Walter Schmalscheidt.

Plants: 3–6′ tall ⨉ 8–12′ around (91–182 cm ⨉ 2.4–3.7 m).

Leaves: Linear to broadly ovate, dark green, turning orange-red in the fall.

Flowers: Lavendar to rose purple flowers are up to 2″ (5 cm) around, in groups of 2-4 flowers. They are mildly scented.

Fruits: Dry capsules.

Habitats: Most at home in acidic, humusy, organically rich, medium moisture, moisture-retentive but well-drained soils in part shade to full shade.

(Note that azaleas are members of the rhododendron family.) This cultivar is one of many referred to as torch azaleas. I couldn’t find a description of this hybrid.

Online References:

Rhododendron kaempferi × yedoense var. poukhanense description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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