About
A genus of large-leaved, aromatic, evergreen trees from Chile and New Zealand with opposite, broadly ovate, glossy, dark green leaves, and panicles of small, greenish-white, fragrant flowers followed by small, oval, green berries. Grown for their handsome, bold foliage and aromatic timber in a sheltered, mild garden or cool glasshouse.
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
Plant details
Suggested usesWoodland gardens, specialist collections
Care notes
CultivationAcidic, moist, humus-rich soil in sheltered dappled shade
PruningAllow natural form. Deadhead if practical
PropagationSeed for species integrity. Cuttings also possible
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceRoot rot in poor drainage. Protect tender species from frost