Rhododendron ferrugineum, the alpenrose, snow-rose, or rusty-leaved alpenrose is an evergreen shrub that grows just above the tree line in the Alps, Pyrenees, Jura and northern Apennines, on acid soils. It may grow up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall and produces clusters of pinkish-red, bell-shaped flowers throughout the summer. The undersides of the leaves are covered in rust-brown spots, which give the species the second part of its binomial name (ferrugineum, Latin for 'rust-coloured, ferruginous').

Plants become smothered in blooms as flowers are numerous and spread over the entire plant! Leaves are evergreen, shiny, dark-green, and are attractive all year.

Location: Sun or part shade

Height: 1.5 m, 4.9 feet

Type: Hardy shrub

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Note: Ornamental use only. These seeds and/or plants are poisonous.

Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. These seeds require light for germination. Surface sow the seeds on a sterile seed-start mix, and keep continually moist until plants germinate. Germinate at room temperature. Seeds germinate in about 6-8 weeks. If germination has not occurred after 8 weeks, place in a baggie in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks and then bring back into warm temperatures. These seeds are not difficult to germinate, just require some extra patience and steps, if necessary.