Yuemu: A New Rhododendron dauricum Cultivar

Rhododendron, a genus renowned for its ornamental and ecological value, holds significant potential for landscape greening, medicinal applications, and the cut flower industry (Chen 2023). Rhododendron dauricum is a semi-evergreen shrub and typical early spring flower in Northeast China that is mainly distributed in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and northeast of Inner Mongolia (Wang et al. 2022a). It enhances the shrub layer under both coniferous forests and mixed coniferous–broadleaf forests (Wu 2019). This species is of interest as an ornamental crop because of its exceptional flower color. Notably included in the Chinese pharmacopeia, R. dauricum is recognized as a valuable plant with significant potential for both ornamental gardening and medicinal use in Northeast China (Chenliang et al. 2025). Its beauty and versatility make it an ideal choice for gardeners and herbalists.