RHODODENDRON

Scented Rhododendrons suitable for conservatory or cool greenhouse are marked with an asterisk.

Syn. Azalea.

Genus of more than 1000 species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia, Australasia and North America, particularly southwestern China, Tibet, Burma, northern India and New Guinea.

Evergreen rhododendrons vary greatly in size and usually have bell-shaped flowers with 10 stamens.

Azaleas have smaller, thinner leaves and are generally medium-sized shrubs with smaller, funnel-shaped flowers with, usually, 5 stamens.

The problem rhododendron, vigorous hybrids of R. ponticum, which is colonizing large areas has been given the name R x superponticum and is subject to EU legislation under the "Invasive Alien Species Regulation".

Garden location should have suitably acidic soil.

Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes

Good to know
Shallow planting in lime-free soil is essential
Pests & Diseases
Vine weevils, whiteflies, scale insects, caterpillars, aphids, honey fungus, powdery mildew, bud blast.
Place of origin
Eastern Russia, north and central China, Mongolia.
Deciduous
Lance-shaped, dark-green leaves 4-6cm (1½-2½in) long.
Purple
Shades of purple/mauve/lilac/violet

Deep rosy-purple to mauve-pink and rose-pink or white
Fully hardy
Height
30cm-2.5m (1-8ft)
Spread
1m (39in)
Medium shrub
Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height

Erect habit. Solitary, funnel-shaped flowers 2-2.5cm (to 1in) long.
Pruning group 5
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
Hardy - very cold winter
Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
Spring Seasonal Interest
Winter Seasonal Interest
Acid / ericaceous loving
Ideally pH 4.5-6.0
Fertile moist well-drained soil
Humus-rich
Full sun
harmful if eaten
People and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, tortoises
Rabbit Resistant

Mature Size

30cm-2.5m (1-8ft)
	1m (39in)

View Planting Tips and Care Advice

Cold weather damage to evergreen plants

What do with cold weather damage

Rhododendron - Care Guide

Rhododendron - Propagation

Rhododendron - Video Spotlights

Shrubs and Trees - Seeds - 1) Collecting Seeds

Shrubs and Trees - Seeds - 2) Storing Seeds

Shrubs and Trees - Seeds - 3) Planting Seeds

Planting seeds in spring

More Care Guides & Tips

Search Caerhays Garden Diary for more info & pictures

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Available late spring to early summer 2026
Spring according to the Met Office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore late spring is mid-April onwards. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.