Rhododendron, Indian Azalea, Japanese evergreen azalea
Rhododendron indicum

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It grows 90 cm high and spreads 60 cm wide. It has many branches. It can almost lie along the ground. The leaves are shiny and dark green. The wild plant usually has red flowers. They are a broad funnel shape. They occur singly or in pairs.

There are over 500 Rhododendron species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Myanmar, SE Asia

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds and by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Rhododendron mawar, Rose azalea, Tu Chuan, Yindu Dujuan

Synonyms

Azalea indica Linn.; Rhododendron breynii Planch.; and several others