Menziesia ciliicalyx var. multiflora
 |
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: men-ZEEZ-ee-a ki-lee-i-KA-liks
GROWING GUIDE
 |
Geographic Origin:
Japan.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: Not listed.
USDA zones: 6-9.
Heat zones: 9-6.
Mature size:
Height: inches 39 inches (1 m).
Width: 39 inches (1 m).
Flowering period:
April to May.
Flowering attributes:
Umbels of bell-shaped flowers, usually purple-tinted to a light rose hue.
Leaf attributes:
Deciduous, alternate, glaucous, obovate to oval leaves.
Growth habit:
Mounding.
Light:
Partial shade.
Soil:
Humus rich, well-drained, acidic soil.
Pruning Methods:
Minimum pruning requirements to remove dead stems and prune for symmetry after flowers are finished blooming.
Rainy Side Notes
The genus Menziesia is named after naturalist Archibald Menzies (1754-1842), who explored our Pacific coast with Captain Vancouver from 1791 to 1795. Seven species in this genus are endemic to eastern North America and Japan. A slow-growing shrub, M. ciliicalyx var. multiflora does best in a woodland setting, in partial shade; however, it will grow in full sun in the Northwest. Related to the rhododendron, and like one, this rounded shrub prefers our acidic soils. It shrub adapts well to growing in a container, provided the soil medium drains well.
 |
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed at the Rhododendron Species Foundation Garden.
Tell a friend about this page!
Questions, comments or suggestions? Would you like to communicate with other Pacific Northwest gardeners? Please join us on our forum.