About
A small, spreading, evergreen shrub with dark, glossy green leaves which are red-brown and scaly beneath. Small trusses of rose-pink to crimson and occasionally white tubular flowers appear in June.
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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Clay, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toC Europe
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 acid soil in sun or partial shade but avoid excessive refected heat from south facing walls and patios ; see rhododendron cultivation
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron leafhopper, pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to various Rhododendron diseases including powdery mildew, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast, silver leaf and honey fungus