About
A bushy evergreen shrub to 1.8m high, with elliptic, pointed rich green leaves. Produces deep red flower buds in winter, opening to clusters of up to 16 bell-shaped, cherry red flowers in spring.
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
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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, humus rich, acidic soil, in partial or dappled shade, may tolerate a more open site if sheltered from cold, drying winds. Choose a site away from frost pockets. Mulch annually, ideally with leaf mould. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningPruning group 8 (evergreens)
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, layering in autumn or grafting in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, lacebugs, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rhododendron diseases including rhododendron bud blast and rhododendron petal blight, as well as powdery mildews, honey fungus, rust, leafy gall, silver leaf and Phytophthora root and shoot rots