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.
Plant Details
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Good to know
R. 'Gold Medal' x 'Olin O. Dobbs'. Shallow planting is essential -
Pests & Diseases
Vine weevil, scale insects, honey fungus, powdery mildew, bud blast -
Place of origin
Not known -
Rhododendrons
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Rhododendron
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EvergreenGlossy, dark green leaves 10-12cm (4-5in) long, bronze when young
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Shades of pink
All shades of pink through to Carmine (red) -
Yellow
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Fully hardy
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Entire
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Oblanceolate
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Height
1.5m (5ft) -
Spread
1.5m (5ft)
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightBroadly funnel-shaped flowers to 12.5cm (5in) across with wavy edges. Flowers age to creamy pink
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Hardy - very cold winter
Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F) -
Spring Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
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harmful if eaten
People and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, tortoises -
Rabbit Resistant
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Mature Size1.5m (5ft)
1.5m (5ft)
Planting Tips and Care Advice
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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.
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Soil Conditions
Acid / ericaceous lovingIdeally pH 4.5-6.0Fertile moist well-drained soilHumus-richNeutral to acid soil
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Sun Requirements
Full sun
Partial shade
- R. augustinii, edgeworthii x leucaspis, 'Anne Teese', loderi 'King George' - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Rhododendron 'Cilpinense' - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Rhododendron decorum (pink form) - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Rhododendron genestrianum - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Five late flowering rhodies - Video Tip ondemand_video
- R. loderi 'King George' - Video Tip ondemand_video
- R. niveum - Video Tip ondemand_video
- R. 'Ostara' - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Rhododendron ‘Pink Polar Bear’ - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Scented Rhododendrons - Video Tip ondemand_video
Planting Combinations
