Overview
Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland gardens and containers on shaded patios.
About
Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched' is an evergreen, bushy shrub belonging to the Rhododendron genus, known for its simple leaves and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, or tubular flowers that appear in short clusters. This cultivar thrives in moist but well-drained acidic loam soil, ideally in partial shade with a sheltered east- or west-facing aspect. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for woodland gardens or containers on shaded patios. Best grown with mulch of leaf mould, it can be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings, layering, or grafting, and offers seasonal interest in both spring and winter.
About the genus
Rhododendron, from Ancient Greek ῥόδον (rhódon), meaning "rose", and δένδρον (déndron), meaning "tree", is a very large genus of about 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae). They can be either evergreen or deciduous. Most species are native to eastern Asia and the Himalayan region, but smaller numbers occur elsewhere in Asia, and in North America, Europe and Australia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Rhododendron", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rhododendron
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rhododendron
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, Containers on shaded patios
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched'
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, Rhododendron leafhopper, Pieris lacebug, Scale insects, Caterpillars, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Rhododendron petal blight, Rhododendron bud blast, Silver leaf, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched'?
Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched' need?
Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched' grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched' hardy in the UK?
Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Rhododendron davidsonianum 'Caerhays Blotched'?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Grafting.
More in the Rhododendron genus
- Rhododendron 'Falling Snow'
- Rhododendron 'Libretto'
- Rhododendron 'Pink Cherub'
- Rhododendron 'Silver Thimbles' (V)
- Rhododendron ochraceum
- Rhododendron trichostomum deep form
- Rhododendron 'Ben Vrackie' (K)
- Rhododendron 'Diana'