About
A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub to about 1.5m with small, narrow, dark green leaves. Clusters of saucer-shaped, deep rose pink flowers with prominent stamens are produced in late winter and early spring.
About the genus
Rhododendron can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves, sometimes with a dense colourful indumentum of hairs on the lower side, and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers that may be solitary or in short racemes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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
CultivationGrown in moist but well-drained, leafy, humus-rich, acid soil with shelter from strong winds. Will tolerate full sun but best in semi-shade; see rhododendron cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by 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 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