Kaempferi Rhododendron (Rhododendron kaempferi)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Rhododendron kaempferi is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Flowers - raw or cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Leaves - boiled. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. — Flowers - raw or cooked.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Open woods and scrub, sunny grassy hillsides and mountainsides to 1600 metres, all over Japan. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)