Overview
Rhododendron 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA) is a bushy shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rhododendron 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA) 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 'Helen Close' is an evergreen, bushy cultivar of the Rhododendron genus, which includes both evergreen and deciduous shrubs or trees with simple leaves and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, or tubular flowers. This cultivar thrives in moist but well-drained, acidic loam soil and prefers a sheltered position in partial shade, ideally facing east or west. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is well suited to woodland gardens or containers on shaded patios. It requires protection from cold winds and is best propagated by semi-ripe cuttings, layering, or grafting, with spring being its season of interest.
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
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 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA) 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 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA)
- 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 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA)?
Rhododendron 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA) prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhododendron 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA) need?
Rhododendron 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA) grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Rhododendron 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA) hardy in the UK?
Rhododendron 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA) 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 'Helen Close' (Glenn Dale) (EA)?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Grafting.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Rhododendron genus
- Rhododendron 'Falling Snow'
- Rhododendron 'Libretto'
- Rhododendron 'Pink Cherub'
- Rhododendron 'Silver Thimbles' (V)
- Rhododendron ochraceum
- Rhododendron trichostomum deep form
- Rhododendron 'Ben Vrackie' (K)
- Rhododendron 'Diana'