About
Rhododendron 'Sleepy' is a low-growing, compact evergreen shrub to around 1 m with small, elliptic to lance-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves. In spring it bears clusters of funnel-shaped flowers opening pale purple with bronze blotches, fading to ivory-white � a charming and rewarding cultivar for a sheltered, acid-soil garden or container.
About the genus
Rhododendron are evergreen or deciduous shrubs and trees with simple leaves and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers � solitary or in short racemes � in a vast range of colours. They include azaleas and are essential shrubs for sheltered, moist, acid-soil woodland gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage 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
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, layering in autumn or grafting in late summer or late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron leafhopper, pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to various Rhododendron diseases including powdery mildews, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast, silver leaf and honey fungus