About
A compact, hardy evergreen shrub with oval-shaped dark green leaves and trusses of trumpet-shaped lilac-pink flowers with a white centre which appear from April to May.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
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
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
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, leafy, humus-rich acid soil in part shade with shelter; see rhododendron cultivation
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationMay be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron leafhopper, pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphid
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron leafhopper, pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphid
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to various Rhododendron diseases including powdery mildews, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast, silver leaf and honey fungus