Mother of Gardens
FORTUNE'S RHODODENDRON
Rhododendron fortunei
Europe has just nine native species of rhododendron; China has more
than 600. When China's floral bounty became available to Western
horticulturists in the mid-19th century following the end of
hostilities between Britain and China, rhododendrons became highly
sought after because many could survive harsh winters. The Scottish
plant collector Robert Fortune discovered this species in 1856,
growing at 3,000 feet in the mountains of eastern China. It was the
first Chinese rhododendron introduced to Britain and has spawned
hundreds of cultivated varieties.