Overview
Rhododendron 'Diana' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rhododendron 'Diana' 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
An evergreen cultivar of Rhododendron in the heath family (Ericaceae), Rhododendron 'Diana' gives a concentrated spring flowering from April to June. It has a well-branched habit and is suited to part-shaded, sheltered positions. Plant it in an acid loam that remains moist but drains freely. It performs as a container specimen on shaded patios as well as beneath trees in woodland gardens.
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
In the garden
Rhododendron 'Diana' is a cultivated variety within the genus Rhododendron (family Ericaceae) valued for its spring flowering display between April and June. As an evergreen shrub with a well-branched habit, it retains foliage year-round and provides structural interest beneath taller trees or beside sheltered seating. Sit it where it receives partial shade on an east- or west-facing aspect and is protected from strong winds; exposure should be sheltered to avoid foliage damage. Soils should be loam and acid in reaction, and remain moist but well-drained. These conditions suit both in-ground planting and containers — in pots keep rootball moisture consistent and choose a site that matches the same sheltered, part-shaded aspect. Rhododendron 'Diana' carries a UK hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is classed as hardy for much of the country and will tolerate typical winter conditions in standard garden situations. Use it in woodland-style borders where spring blooms sit beneath trees, or as a potted specimen on a shaded patio where the April–June flowers can be enjoyed at close range.
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 'Diana' 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 'Diana'
- 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 'Diana'?
Rhododendron 'Diana' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhododendron 'Diana' need?
Rhododendron 'Diana' grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Rhododendron 'Diana' hardy in the UK?
Rhododendron 'Diana' 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 'Diana'?
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 Dramatic Dark ('Hachdram'PBR)