About
Produces small rounded clusters of tiny white flowers with prominent white stamens, in early summer. A dwarf evergreen shrub to 60cm high, with an upright to rounded habit. Young stems are coated in a woolly reddish-brown felt. Leaves are small, ovate, aromatic and dark green, with a rust-coloured felting on the undersides.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Alpine Rockery
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
FragranceFoliage
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
CultivationPrefers moist but well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil, though this species will tolerate some waterlogging. Position in partial or dappled shade; full sun may be tolerated if the soil does not dry out. Mulch annually, ideally with leaf mould. See rhododendron cultivation for more
PruningNo pruning required; may be lightly trimmed after flowering to maintain shape
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron and azalea whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, Pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, honey fungus, silver leaf and Phytophthora, as well as more specific Rhododendron diseases