Rhododendron mucronulatum, the Korean rhododendron[1] or Korean rosebay (Korean: 진달래; RR: Jindalrae),[2] is a rhododendron species native to Korea, Mongolia, Russia, and parts of northern China. It is a deciduous shrub that grows to 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) in height, with elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate leaves, 3–7 cm (1+1⁄4–2+3⁄4 in) long by 1–3.5 cm (3⁄8–1+3⁄8 in) wide. The reddish-purple flowers appear in late winter or early spring, often on the bare branches before the foliage unfurls. It inhabits forested regions at 1,600–2,300 m (5,200–7,500 ft).
The Latin specific epithet mucronulatum means "sharply pointed", referring to the leaf shape.[3]
The cultivar 'Cornell Pink' has light pink flowers, and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4][5] It is hardy down to −20 °C (−4 °F) but like most rhododendron species requires a sheltered position in dappled shade with acid soil that has been enriched with leaf mould.
In Korea, the flowers are used in pan-fried flower cakes called hwajeon, which are traditional for Samjinnal, a spring festival. It is also used in infused liquor.
Jindallae-hwajeon (pan-fried rhododendron flower cake)
Deuljjuk-sul (bog bilberry liquor) and jindallae-sul (Korean rhododendron liquor) produced in North Korea
Helsinki University Botanical Garden
Azalea Valley, Mt. Biseul, Korea
Rhododendron mucronulatum, the Korean rhododendron or Korean rosebay (Korean: 진달래; RR: Jindalrae), is a rhododendron species native to Korea, Mongolia, Russia, and parts of northern China. It is a deciduous shrub that grows to 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) in height, with elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate leaves, 3–7 cm (1+1⁄4–2+3⁄4 in) long by 1–3.5 cm (3⁄8–1+3⁄8 in) wide. The reddish-purple flowers appear in late winter or early spring, often on the bare branches before the foliage unfurls. It inhabits forested regions at 1,600–2,300 m (5,200–7,500 ft).
The Latin specific epithet mucronulatum means "sharply pointed", referring to the leaf shape.
