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

Burncoose speciality
See Burncoose Speciality group for more details
Good to know
Shallow planting in lime-free soil is essential
Pests & Diseases
Vine weevils, scale insects, honey fungus, powdery mildew, bud blast.
Place of origin
China, Taiwan
Rhododendrons
Rhododendron
Evergreen
Dark green, glossy, ovate to elliptic leaves to 7cm (2¾in) long, very variable, even on the same plant. Leaves are tinged purple when young
Shades of pink
All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)
White
Saucer-shaped
Suitable for small gardens
Woodland garden
Fully hardy
Height
1.5m (5ft)
Spread
1.5m (5ft)
Medium shrub
Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height

Slow-growing, variable, compact shrub with downy young stems. Produces 5-petalled solitary flowers, to 3cm (1¼in) across with protruding stamens, from axillary buds
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
Full sun
Partial shade
harmful if eaten
People and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, tortoises