Rhododendron molle Chinese Azalea PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Rhododendron molle is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

R. sinense. Azalea mollis. A. sinensis flavescens.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anaesthetic Analgesic Sedative

The flowers are analgesic, anaesthetic and sedative[218]. They are applied externally in the treatment of arthritis, caries, itch, maggots and traumatic injuries[218]. The root is used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and traumatic injuries[218].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Insecticide

The powdered flowers have a mild insecticidal effect[57].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a most humus-rich lime-free soils except those of a dry arid nature or those that are heavy or clayey[1]. Prefers a peaty or well-drained sandy loam[1]. Succeeds in sun or shade, though it prefers a shady position[1]. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[1]. Succeeds in a woodland though, because of its surface-rooting habit[200], it does not compete well with surface-rooting trees[1]. Plants need to be kept well weeded, they dislike other plants growing over or into their root system, in particular they grow badly with ground cover plants, herbaceous plants and heathers[200]. Plants form a root ball and are very tolerant of being transplanted, even when quite large, so long as the root ball is kept intact[200]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is the parent of many cultivars[11]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn and given artificial light. Alternatively sow the seed in a lightly shaded part of the warm greenhouse in late winter or in a cold greenhouse in April. Surface-sow the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry[200]. Pot up the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter. Layering in late July. Takes 15 - 24 months[78]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, August in a frame. Difficult[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng (east), Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Japan (Hokkaidô (south), Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Rhododendron anthopogon		Shrub	0.6	6-9		LM	SN	M	1	2	1
Rhododendron arboreum		Shrub	12.0	6-9		LM	SN	M	1	2	3
Rhododendron aureum	Rosebay	Shrub	0.5	-		LM	SN	M	0	2
Rhododendron campanulatum		Shrub	4.5	4-8		LM	SN	M	0	1	2
Rhododendron ferrugineum	Alpenrose	Shrub	1.5	4-8		LM	SN	M	0	1	3
Rhododendron griersonianum		Shrub	3.0	7-10		LMH	SN	M	0	0	3
Rhododendron indicum	Rhododendron	Shrub	2.0	5-9		LM	S	M	1	0	3
Rhododendron japonicum	Japanese azalea	Shrub	2.0	4-8		LM	SN	M	1	1
Rhododendron kaempferi		Shrub	2.5	4-8		LM	S	M	1	0	3
Rhododendron lapponicum	Lapland Rosebay	Shrub	1.0	-		LM	SN	M	1	0
Rhododendron lutescens		Shrub	3.0	6-9		LM	SN	M	0	0	2
Rhododendron luteum	Honeysuckle Azalea	Shrub	2.5	4-8		LM	S	M	0	0	2
Rhododendron maximum	Rosebay Rhododendron, Great laurel	Shrub	3.5	3-7		LM	S	M	0	1	2
Rhododendron mucronulatum		Shrub	2.5	4-8		LM	SN	M	1	0
Rhododendron periclymenoides	Pink azalea, Pinxter flower	Shrub	2.0	4-8	M	LMH	FSN	DM	1	0	2
Rhododendron 'PJM'		Shrub	3.0	-		LM	SN	M	0	0
Rhododendron ponticum	Rhododendron	Shrub	5.0	6-9		LM	S	M	0	1	2
Rhododendron x praecox		Shrub	1.5	5-9		LM	SN	M	0	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

(Blume.)G.Don.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment


Emma Oates	Sun Jun 15 19:02:20 2003

We have a chinese Azalea,...it was doing fine,it flowerd etc..but now we have began to notice the edges of the leafs turing brown??? ,it is located in a shady posoition and has sun light during the evenings?,we dont know whats making the Azalea's leafs turn brown?? any sugestions very welcome,.Emma

Rhododendron molle - (Blume.)G.Don.