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
Slow grower, ultimately to 4m (13ft)
Pests & Diseases
Vine weevils, whiteflies, scale insects, caterpillars, aphids, honey fungus, powdery mildew, bud blast.
Place of origin
Eastern India, Bhutan, Tibet, China
Evergreen
Neat, elliptic-obovate, hairless, dark-green leaves 3-9cm (1¼-3½in) long with a metallic grey-green sheen.
Fully hardy
Height
1.2-1.5m (4-5ft)
Spread
1.2-1.5m (4-5ft)
Medium shrub
Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height

Vigorous, erect shrub. Produces pendent, narrowly tubular-bell-shaped, waxy flowers 2.5-3.5cm (1-1½in) long in loose trusses of 5-10 flowers .
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 - cold winter
Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
Scented foliage
Aromatic leaves
Fertile moist well-drained soil
Humus-rich.
Neutral to acid soil
Ideally pH4.5 - 5.5
Full sun
Shelter from strong winds
Partial shade
harmful if eaten
(People & Pets)

Mature Size

1.2-1.5m (4-5ft)
	1.2-1.5m (4-5ft)

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.