Overview
Rhododendron 'Sugar Plum' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rhododendron 'Sugar Plum' 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 'Sugar Plum' is an evergreen shrub with a bushy habit, belonging to the genus Rhododendron, which includes both evergreen and deciduous shrubs or trees. It thrives in partial shade, ideally in east- or west-facing, sheltered positions with moist but well-drained acidic loam soil. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for woodland gardens or containers on shaded patios. It is best cultivated in dappled shade with mulching of leaf mould and can be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings, layering, or grafting. Its seasons of interest are spring and winter.
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 'Sugar Plum' 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 'Sugar Plum'
- 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 'Sugar Plum'?
Rhododendron 'Sugar Plum' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhododendron 'Sugar Plum' need?
Rhododendron 'Sugar Plum' grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Rhododendron 'Sugar Plum' hardy in the UK?
Rhododendron 'Sugar Plum' 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 'Sugar Plum'?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Grafting.
More in the Rhododendron genus
- Rhododendron 'Black Beauty'

- Rhododendron 'Ed Hillary'

- Rhododendron 'Falling Snow'

- Rhododendron 'Karminduft' (A)

- Rhododendron 'Libretto'
- Rhododendron 'Lugano'

- Rhododendron 'Ada Lavleisa'rhododendron 'Ada Lavleisa'
- Rhododendron 'Amarlie Crowden'