About
A half-hardy, mid-sized evergreen shrub to 2.5m high, often epiphytic, with ovate, textured dark green leaves, and a fine covering of pale brown hairs on new shoots and the undersides of leaves. Produces small clusters of 2-3 scented, funnel shaped, white to pale pink flowers from deep pink buds in mid 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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toHimalaya, W China
FragranceFlower
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
CultivationIn mild, frost-free areas, may be grown outdoors in well-drained acidic soil. Position in partial or dappled shade to avoid scorching. In colder areas, may be grown under glass in a free-draining, ericaceous compost mix. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningPruning group 8 (evergreens)
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, by layering in autumn, or by grafting in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, lacebugs, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rhododendron diseases including rhododendron bud blast and rhododendron petal blight, as well as powdery mildews, honey fungus, rust, leafy gall, silver leaf and Phytophthora root and shoot rots