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. Endangered in the wild because of habitat loss.
Pests & Diseases
Vine weevils, scale insects, powdery mildew, bud blast, honey fungus
Place of origin
USA (Florida)
Rhododendrons
Evergreen
Elliptic leaves 3-6.5cm (1¼-2½in) long.
Entire
Elliptic
Ovate
Height
2m (6½ft)
Spread
2m (6½ft)
Medium shrub
Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height

Open habit with stiff, ascending branches. Produces clusters of funnel-shaped, rose pink flowers to 5cm (2in) wide with conspicuous chocolate-coloured anthers
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.
Summer Seasonal Interest
Acid / ericaceous loving
Ideally pH 4.5-6.0
Fertile moist well-drained soil
Humus-rich
Neutral to acid soil
Partial shade
Dappled shade
harmful if eaten
(People & Pets)

Mature Size

2m (6½ft)
	2m (6½ft)

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.