About
This half-hardy evergreen shrub to around 1m high, with a slightly straggly habit, and elliptic, glossy dark green leaves, with deeply impressed veins and fine downy hairs on the upper surfaces, scaly beneath. Produces clusters of 2-3 highly perfumed, funnel-shaped flowers, white flushed with pink and with yellow markings at the base of the upper petals, in mid spring.
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, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright
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
FragranceFlower
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 humus rich, acidic soil; this cultivar needs excellent drainage. Position in partial or dappled shade, and add an annual organic mulch (ideally leaf mould). In colder areas, this cultivar is best grown under glass in an ericaceous potting mix. 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, 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