About
A small, evergreen shrub to a height of 1.75m with dark green leaves and rounded trusses of deep red trumpet-shaped flowers from mid to late 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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Clay
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City 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. Shallow planting is essential, deep planting will not be tolerated. See rhododendron cultivation
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed, semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, layering in autumn or grafting in late summer or late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, leafhoppers, lacebugs, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast and silver leaf