Sikang’s rhododendron (Rhododendron sikangense Fang) – new species of rhododendron for Saint-Petersburg

Sikang’s rhododendron (Rhododendron sikangense Fang) from family Ericaceae is cultivated at Peter the Great Botanic Garden of the V.L. Komarov Botanical Institute RAS at Saint-Petersburg since 2013 г. Its seeds were received directly from natural conditions of China, from highlands of Sichuan province, from elevation higher than 3700 m. This was the first introduction of this species during 3 centuries of arboriculture at this place. The first flowering and fruiting was observed in 2022, under the age of 9 years old. The species happened to be quite winter hardy during 10 years of observations (2014–2023), according to the Egbert Wolf’s scale. In conditions of Peter the Great Botanic Garden this is evergreen shrub or tree up to 0,81 m high on the age 10 years. Taking in mind its sizes in optimal conditions in the wild, it can reach 3–5 m high. It develops itself as very decorative shrub, especially during flowering season. The species is of interest for further cultivation and city planting of Saint-Petersburg. The task of the nearest future is to propagate the Sikang’s rhododendron and to introduce it to the city planting. For successful growing the right agrotechnics should be used. Such agrotechnical measures are developed and elaborated at Peter the Great Botanic Garden, using the experience of international practice.

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