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 is essential. Ultimately gets bare at the base
Pests & Diseases
Vine weevils, scale insects, honey fungus, powdery mildew, bud blast.
Place of origin
Garden origin. UK. pre.1897. Waterer, Bagshot, Surrey.
Rhododendrons
Rhododendron
Evergreen
Large leaves 15-45cm (6-18in) long.
Shades of pink
All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)

Light pink, fading to white.
Fully hardy
Entire
Oblanceolate
Height
4m (13ft)
Spread
4m (13ft)
Tall Shrub
Vigorous shrub of open, erect habit. Produces abundant, tall trusses of funnel-shaped flowers 10-12cm (4-5in) across
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
Thrives in sun. Shelter from strong winds
Partial shade
harmful if eaten
(People & Pets)
Rabbit Resistant

Mature Size

4m (13ft)
	4m (13ft)

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.