Rhododendron kendrickii is a member of the Ponticum section and Irrorata sub-section. This attractive rhododendron was first described in 1853 from a specimen collected in Bhutan. It was found subsequently by other collectors in Bhutan, Tibet, and Assam. In its native home it will grow to be a large shrub or small tree up to 25 ft. tall, but in cultivation it will probably never get that large. The author's plant is about 25 years old and is about five ft. tall and six ft. wide.

The leaves of R. kendrickii are six to eight inches long, narrow and pointed with wavy slightly down-curved edges. They are dark green and rather shiny on top and lighter colored on the underside of the leaf.

The truss is composed of eight to twenty bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are between one and two inches long and are rose, scarlet, or crimson in color. They are quite heavily spotted with red or deeper colored spots and have dark-colored nectar pouches.

In the Oregon area the plant starts coming into bloom about the first of February and will remain in bloom for at least two months. The new growth that follows the blooming period is an attractive bronzy color that lasts for several weeks before turning dark green.

R. kendrickii is not particular about soil conditions and will grow in heavier soil than will many other rhododendron species. Plant in a location where the frost won't damage the flowers and you can enjoy a beautiful early spring display that will enliven your garden and brighten your spirits.