Overview
Rhododendron orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis is a bushy shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3 metres tall. Rhododendron orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis 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 orbiculare, the round-leaved rhododendron, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae that is native to forests and slopes at an elevation of 1,400–3,500 m (4,600–11,500 ft) in northeastern Guangxi and southwestern Sichuan, China. It is a compact evergreen shrub growing to 3 m (9.8 ft) tall and broad, with matt-textured round leaves and trusses of deep pink flowers in spring.
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 orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 3 metres
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, Containers on shaded patios
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rhododendron orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis
- 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 orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis?
Rhododendron orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhododendron orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis need?
Rhododendron orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Rhododendron orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis grow?
Rhododendron orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis reaches a height of 3 metres.
Is Rhododendron orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis hardy in the UK?
Rhododendron orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis 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 orbiculare subsp. cardiobasis?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Grafting.
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'