Flowers of the Alps

Alpen Rose or rusty-leaved alpenrose

Rostblattrige Alpenrose or Rhododendron ferrugineum

Photo taken in Obergurgl at 2,000m by Allan Hartley

This evergreen shrub grows just above the tree line at 1,6OO - 2,2OOm on the acid soils associated with pine. It is found in the Alps, Pyrenees, Switzerland and northern Apennines and will be in much evidence on alpine trails throughout the summer but particularly in June. Part of the Rhododendron genus, it can grow up to 1m tall and produces colourful clusters of small flowers which vary from pink to bright red. The underside of the leaves are covered in rust-coloured spots, hence the German name Rostblattrige and the Latin name ferrugineum. The shrub has flourished in areas which are now subject to less grazing.

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