About
A large, fast-growing, evergreen, tropical shrub or small tree from Southeast Asia and the Pacific with broadly ovate, sometimes heart-shaped, mid-green leaves and small, insignificant flowers followed by colourful, small berries. Some species have attractively patterned leaves. A bold foliage plant for tropical gardens or warm glasshouses.
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
Plant details
Suggested usesSpecialist collections, botanical interest
Care notes
CultivationAcidic, moist, well-drained soil in dappled shade
PruningAllow natural form. Deadhead if practical
PropagationSeed for true form. Cuttings or layering
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceEnsure good drainage