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

Pests & Diseases
Vine weevils, scale insects, honey fungus, powdery mildew, bud blast.
Place of origin
Western China (Sichuan, Guizhou)
Evergreen
Leaves to 4.5cm (1¾in) long, copper coloured when young
Shades of pink
All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)
Fully hardy
Height
To 1.5m (5ft)
Spread
1.2m (4ft)
Medium shrub
Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height

Produces flowers in cluster of 1-3, fading to white.
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)
Fertile moist well-drained soil
Humus-rich
Neutral to acid soil
Ideally pH 4.5 - 5.5
Full sun
Partial shade
harmful if eaten
(People & Pets)
Rabbit Resistant