Overview
Rhododendron 'Whitethroat' is a bushy evergreen shrub in the genus Rhododendron, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rhododendron 'Whitethroat' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Rhododendron 'Whitethroat' is a bushy evergreen cultivar of the Rhododendron genus, which comprises over a thousand species of woody plants in the Ericaceae family. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for all garden aspects, including north, south, east, and west-facing positions. It prefers moist but well-drained acidic soils such as clay, loam, or sand, and benefits from a sheltered exposure. Hardy to UK zone H6, 'Whitethroat' is well suited for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, beds, and wall side borders. Propagation can be achieved through semi-ripe cuttings, layering, or grafting.
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
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Rhododendron 'Whitethroat' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Evergreen shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rhododendron 'Whitethroat'
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, Layering in autumn, Grafting in late summer or late winter
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, Rhododendron and azalea whitefly, Rhododendron leafhopper, Pieris lacebug, Scale insects, Caterpillars, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Honey fungus, Silver leaf, Phytophthora, Rhododendron petal blight, Rhododendron bud blast
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Rhododendron 'Whitethroat'?
Rhododendron 'Whitethroat' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhododendron 'Whitethroat' need?
Rhododendron 'Whitethroat' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Rhododendron 'Whitethroat' hardy in the UK?
Rhododendron 'Whitethroat' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Rhododendron 'Whitethroat'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, Layering in autumn, Grafting in late summer or late winter.
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'