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 is essential. Grows slowly. Tolerant of more alkaline soil
Pests & Diseases
Vine weevils, scale insects, powdery mildew, bud blast, honey fungus
Place of origin
Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim). Collected by JD Hooker in 1848-9.
Rhododendrons
Evergreen
leaves 4.5-9cm (1¾-3½in) long, dark green above, paler beneath with a fringe of hair along the margins.
Shades of pink
All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)

Solid pink.
Suitable for small gardens
Frost hardy (down to -5)
Ciliate
Elliptic
Oblong
Height
To 1.2m (4ft)
Spread
To 1.2m (4ft)
Medium shrub
Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height

Early spring flowering. Produces small trusses of 2-4 tubular-bell-shaped flowers 2-3cm (¾-1¼in) 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 - average winter
Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
Spring Seasonal Interest
Acid / ericaceous loving
Ideally pH 4.5-6.0
Fertile moist well-drained soil
Humus-rich
Neutral to acid soil
Full sun
Tolerates full sun.
Partial shade
harmful if eaten
(People & Pets)
Rabbit Resistant