About
A half-hardy evergreen shrub or small tree, ranging in height from 3-9m, with elliptic to oblong leaves up to 30cm long. Young shoots and leaves are coated with fine downy hairs. Late flowering, producing clusters of 10-15 bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, from early to mid summer.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toN Myanmar to China
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
CultivationIn mild, frost-free areas, may be grown outdoors in a sheltered position, in moist but well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil. Position in partial or dappled shade, and add an annual organic mulch (ideally leaf mould). In colder areas, may be grown under glass in ericaceous compost. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningNeeds minimal pruning, though restrictive pruning may be required if grown under glass. See pruning group 8 (evergreens) for guidance
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, by layering in autumn, or by grafting in winter
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