About
Produces large clusters of bell-shaped, cream to pale pink flowers with purple markings at the base in spring. A large evergreen shrub or small tree, often multi-stemmed and with a rounded, spreading habit and flaking, red-brown bark. Leaves are large, rounded to ovate, and dark green when mature with cinnamon-coloured felt on the undersides. New leaves and shoots are coated in fine, brown hairs.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toBhutan
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, humus rich, acidic soil, in partial or dappled shade. Choose a site away from frost pockets, and sheltered from strong winds which can damage the large leaves. Mulch annually, ideally with leaf mould. 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