Overview
Rhododendron ponticum 'Lancifolium' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rhododendron ponticum 'Lancifolium' 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 ponticum, called common rhododendron or pontic rhododendron, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae. It is native to the Iberian Peninsula in southwest Europe and the Caucasus region in northern West Asia.
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 ponticum 'Lancifolium' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, Containers on shaded patios
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rhododendron ponticum 'Lancifolium'
- 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 ponticum 'Lancifolium'?
Rhododendron ponticum 'Lancifolium' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhododendron ponticum 'Lancifolium' need?
Rhododendron ponticum 'Lancifolium' grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Rhododendron ponticum 'Lancifolium' hardy in the UK?
Rhododendron ponticum 'Lancifolium' 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 ponticum 'Lancifolium'?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Grafting.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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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'