| Taxon | Rhododendron mucronulatum |
|---|---|
| Authority | Turcz. |
| Synonyms |
|
Rhododendron mucronulatum, the Korean rhododendron[1] or Korean rosebay (; RR: Jindallae),[2] is a rhododendron species native to Korea, Mongolia, Russia, and parts of northern China. It is a deciduous shrub that grows to 1–2 m ft in height, with elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate leaves, 3–7 cm in long by 1–3.5 cm in wide. The reddish-purple flowers appear in late winter or early spring, often on the bare branches before the foliage unfurls. It inhabits forested regions at 1600-2300 m ft.
The Latin specific epithet mucronulatum means "sharply pointed", referring to the leaf shape.[3]
Cultivation
The cultivar 'Cornell Pink' has light pink flowers, and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4][5] It is hardy down to −20 °C (−4 °F) but like most rhododendron species requires a sheltered position in dappled shade with acid soil that has been enriched with leaf mould.
Culinary use
In Korea, the flowers are used in pan-fried flower cakes called hwajeon, which are traditional for Samjinnal, a spring festival. It is also used in infused liquor.
References
- ^ English Names for Korean Native Plants. Pocheon: Korea National Arboretum. 2015. p. 605. ISBN 978-89-97450-98-5. Archived from the original on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 8 December 2016. – via Korea Forest Service
- ^
- ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 978-1845337315.
- ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Rhododendron mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink'". Retrieved 3 October 2018.
- ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental". Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 85. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
- "Rhododendron mucronulatum", Turczaninow, Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou. 10(7): 155. 1837.
- Plants of the World Online