Description

General aspect and origins - Rhododendron 'Sir Charles Lemon' is certainly a cross between R. arboreum ssp. cinnamomeum × R. campanulatum ssp. campanulatum.
It is often considered as a R. arboreum variety, but it is an interspecific hybrid, R. arboreum being the likely motherplant.
This hybrid was grown by Sir Charles Lemon from seeds previously collected by Joseph Hooker, during a trip in India, from 1849 to 1851.
This evergreen shrub or small tree can reach up to 20 ft (6 m) tall and more. It has a less conical shape than that of R.arboreum.
'Sir Charles Lemon' is relatively widely grown.
Leaves - Leaves of 'Sir Charles Lemon' are evergreen, larger than these of R. arboreum. The lower side of the leaves is brown-green. Young leaves are white-green.
Flowers - 'Sir Charles Lemon' has conical flower buds, unlike those of R.arboreum, which are almost globose. Flowers are campanulate and white, with some violet traces.

Culture

This rhododendron has both ornamental leaves and flowers, and is well worth growing. It is said to withstand brief frosts down to 0°F (-18°C).
Soil - This is a vigourous rhododendron, that will thrive in a sloppy, acidic, moist and well-drained ground.