Abstract: Rhododendron ovatum‘Niuwu’is a new cultivar selected from wild population of R. ovatum. Its leaves are oblong-ovate to elliptic-ovate,with petioles 1.5-2.6 cm long. The single flower has a fragrant scent,with a red-purple corolla,the upper 3 lobes with dark purple spots and the lower 2 lobes with little red spots on the inner surface. The flowering period is from late March to late April. This cultivar is suitable for planting in parks and courtyards across eastern,central,southern and southwestern regions of China,and can also be used as an indoor potted plant.

Key words: Rhododendron, Rhododendron ovatum, cultivar