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.

Jump to full plant specifications

Plant Details

Burncoose speciality
See Burncoose Speciality group for more details
Good to know
Syn. R. bullatum. Epiphytic shrub (plant that grows on another plant without obtaining food from it). Can be grown on decaying tree stumps, mimicking its natural situation or in a container with orchid medium. Foliage resistant to vine weevils.
Pests & Diseases
Vine weevils, whiteflies, scale insects, caterpillars, aphids, honey fungus, powdery mildew, bud blast.
Place of origin
Eastern Himalayas. Collected by JD Hooker in Sikkim in 1849.
Rhododendrons
Rhododendron
Evergreen
Wrinkled, dark-green leaves 5-10cm (2-4in) long.
White
Frost hardy (down to -5)
Entire
Elliptic
Ovate
Height
2.5m (8ft)
Spread
2.5m (8ft)
Medium shrub
Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height

Straggly shrub. Produces trusses of 2 or 3 broadly funnel-shaped flowers 6-15cm (2½-6in) across.
Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter
Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)
Scented flowers
Scented Rhododendrons
Spring Seasonal Interest
harmful if eaten
People and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, tortoises
Rabbit Resistant

Mature Size

2.5m (8ft)
	2.5m (8ft)

Planting Tips and Care Advice

Pruning group

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.
Soil Conditions

Acid / ericaceous loving

Ideally pH 4.5-6.0

Medium to light, fertile, well drained soil

Requires coarse medium with sharp drainage
Sun Requirements

Partial shade

Light shade