About
Rhododendron augustinii, Augustine's rhododendron, is a large evergreen shrub to 2 m with narrow, tapered leaves to 11 cm, finely downy above and scaly with pale hairs along the midrib beneath. In mid and late spring, open trusses of two to five funnel-shaped flowers to 7 cm across are produced in shades from white to deep violet-blue with greenish-brown spots in the throat � one of the finest of the blue-flowered rhododendrons.
About the genus
Rhododendron are evergreen or deciduous shrubs and trees with simple leaves and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers � solitary or in short racemes � in a vast range of colours. They include azaleas and are essential shrubs for sheltered, moist, acid-soil woodland gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, leafy, humus-rich acid soil in part shade with shelter; see rhododendron cultivation
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed when ripe, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, layering in autumn or grafting in late summer or late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron and azalea whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to various Rhododendron diseases including powdery mildews, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast, silver leaf and honey fungus