A Rhododendron Glossary in Color: Seed Capsule
Eleanor Philp
Fort Bragg, CA

Photo by Eleanor Philp

The seed capsule, as shown in the photo of Rhododendron fletcherianum , is the vessel, or ovary, which holds the seeds. After successful pollination, the vessel swells. Rhododendron seed takes from three to seven months to ripen at which time the capsule turns brown. Seed is best collected just before the capsule splits.