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Collector's item

Rhododendron makinoi

Rhododendron makinoi
Makino Rhododendron

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

A Japanese botanical species with small growth, long narrow dark green leaves adorned with a very bright grey-brown fuzz on the underside. In May, pretty pale pinkish-white flowers bloom in clusters. This rhododendron, very hardy, thrives in an ericaceous bed enriched with compost, in partial shade. The soil should always remain moist, but not waterlogged.
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
80 cm
Spread at maturity
70 cm
Exposure
Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -18°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to October
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

Rhododendron makinoi, formerly known as Azalea makinoi, Rhododendron stenophyllum Makino or even Rhododendron yakushimanum subsp. makinoi, is a rare Japanese botanical species in cultivation. It is a small evergreen bush with long dark green leaves covered with a grey-brown felt on the underside. Its spring flowering consists of delicate trumpet-shaped flowers in pale pink-white clusters. The plant is very hardy, but it should be planted in a location protected from intense sunlight and wind, both in the garden and in pots. Like other rhododendrons, it thrives in a humid climate and humus-rich acidic soil.

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, preferring predominantly limestone-free soils, with an acidic tendency and humid climates. Rhododendron makinoi grows in the mountains of Honshu island, up to 2000 m (6500ft) altitude. This plant was awarded the Garden Merit Award (A.G.M) in England in 1993. Slow-growing, this small bush generally reaches 80cm (32in) in height and 70cm (28in) in width at the age of 10 years. Its young shoots are downy and hairy, with persistent bud scales on the branches. The leaves, evergreen and leathery, measure from 7 to 18cm (3 to 7in) in length and 1 to 2.5cm (1in) in diameter. They are narrowly lanceolate, slightly curled at the edges. Their upper surface is smooth, glossy, and dark green in colour, while the lower surface is covered with a thick white to tawny felt composed of tiny hairs. Flowering takes place in May-June, more or less early or late depending on the climate. Grouped in tight corymbs of 5 to 10 units, the pink flower buds open into funnel-shaped pale pink-tinged white flowers. The inside of the flower is speckled with red.

Like all yakushimanum-type rhododendrons, Rhododendron makinoi is hardy to -15°C, even -20°C. It is a rare plant that will delight collectors of ericaceous shrubs. In favourable climates and soil conditions like in Edinburgh, when planted in groups, it creates magnificent masses subtly illuminated by the pale undersides of the leaves. Place it in a slightly shaded area of the garden, along with large ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons to create superb patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Cultivating it in containers requires regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertilizers for ericaceous plants.

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Rhododendron: planting, growing and care
Family sheet
by Virginie T. 15 min.
Rhododendron: planting, growing and care
Read article

Plant habit

Height at maturity 80 cm
Spread at maturity 70 cm
Habit irregular, bushy
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Corymb
Flower size 5 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Foliage description Leaves 7-18 x 1-2.5 cm (1in), narrowly lanceolate, acute apex, upper surface smooth, lower surface with a thick white to fawn down composed of dendroid hairs; petioles initially tomentose, typically quickly becoming glabrescent.
Product reference • 173521

Planting and care

Plant Rhododendron makinoi in a partially shaded position, protected from cold and drying winds, in a humus-rich and light soil, with a tendency towards acidity (pH between 4.5 and 6). The soil should never dry out, but should not be waterlogged either. This variety dislikes heatwaves and dry atmospheres, it is a plant for a humid and cool climate. Like all plants of the heath family, it does not tolerate limestone soils, nor drought, heatwaves, or heavy soils saturated with water in winter. If the soil remains moist in summer, this rhododendron can also tolerate exposure to non-burning sunlight.

Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-limestone water and plant the bush at the level of the collar, in a mixture composed of leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loamy soil. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist in summer. Azaleas and rhododendrons have a shallow root system. As a result, they dislike long periods of drought. That is why soil enriched with humus and abundant watering during dry periods are recommended. Moreover, this root system is not very strong, which is why it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay balls) at planting. Apply a mulch of crushed pine bark at the base of the bush every spring to keep the soil moist while maintaining an acidic pH.

Maintenance consists of removing faded flowers in summer and pruning any dead branches. Azaleas and rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the famous "rhododendron beetle" which does not often cause severe damage. Effective biological solutions exist today against weevils. Yellowing of leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendron indicates poor iron assimilation from the soil and causes premature plant death. While limestone (from the soil or irrigation water) is usually the cause, poorly drained soil or deeply planted root balls can also explain the phenomenon.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -18°C (USDA zone 7a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, humus-rich, light, fertile and well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

Planting & care advice

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