Overview
Rhododendron 'Falling Snow' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rhododendron 'Falling Snow' 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 'Falling Snow' is an evergreen Rhododendron cultivar in the heath family (Ericaceae) with a well-branched habit suited to shady spots. It flowers in April to June, providing a concentrated spring display. Plant in acid loam that remains moist but drains freely and place where it receives partial shade. Recommended locations include woodland borders or containers on shaded patios in sheltered positions.
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
A member of the heath family (Ericaceae), Rhododendron 'Falling Snow' is an evergreen rhododendron cultivar that puts on its main display from April to June. Its form is well-branched and rounded, holding foliage through winter so the spring flowering becomes the season's focal point. Position it in partial shade on an east- or west-facing aspect and out of strong exposure; a sheltered site reduces stress from drying winds. Use loam with an acid reaction and ensure the planting area remains moist but well drained — water regularly in dry spells until the root system is established. The H5 hardiness rating equates to hardy in the UK climate, so it will tolerate typical winter conditions when protected from prevailing gales. Rhododendron 'Falling Snow' sits naturally within woodland-style borders where soil acidity and shade are already present, and it adapts well to containers on shaded patios provided the compost remains acidic and moisture is managed. Its evergreen leaves maintain structure through winter, concentrating interest into the April–June flowering period rather than across the whole year.
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 'Falling Snow' 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 'Falling Snow'
- 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 'Falling Snow'?
Rhododendron 'Falling Snow' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhododendron 'Falling Snow' need?
Rhododendron 'Falling Snow' grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Rhododendron 'Falling Snow' hardy in the UK?
Rhododendron 'Falling Snow' 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 'Falling Snow'?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Grafting.
More in the Rhododendron genus
- Rhododendron 'Libretto'
- Rhododendron 'Pink Cherub'
- Rhododendron 'Silver Thimbles' (V)
- Rhododendron ochraceum
- Rhododendron trichostomum deep form
- Rhododendron 'Ben Vrackie' (K)
- Rhododendron 'Diana'
- Rhododendron Dramatic Dark ('Hachdram'PBR)