Rhododendron

Because rhododendron species are so numerous, the genus has been divided into subgenera, and they have also been grouped into sections and subsections according to similar features. Rhododendrons can be evergreen or deciduous, and large-leaved and small-leaved. They come in a wide range of sizes and flower colors and shapes. The tubular-, funnel-, or bell-shaped flowers can be fragrant or non-fragrant. Some rhododendrons have tiny scales on the leaves (lepidote), or they don’t (elepidote). The bloom time ranges from late winter through early fall. As rhododendrons and Rhododendron genus so all azaleas are rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. The key difference between the two is the bloom time—rhododendrons bloom later than azaleas—they are more open, airy, and less dense in their growth habit, and they have much larger flowers than azaleas. Common Name Rhododendron Botanical Name Rhododendron spp. Family Ericaceae Plant Type Shrub Mature Size 2-20 ft. tall, 3-15 ft. wide Sun Exposure Partial Soil Type Moist, well-drained Soil pH Acidic Bloom Time Spring, summer, fall Flower Color Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, white Hardiness Zones 4-9 (USDA) Native Area North America, Europe, Asia, Australia Toxicity Toxic to humans, toxic to pets Water The plants need adequate moisture. Especially during the first year after planting, consistent irrigation is crucial. Water the plant slowly and deeply twice a week during the first growing season. Established shrubs n...

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• Select the right type of rhododendron for your garden. • Choose a planting location with the right sunlight and soil conditions. • Improve the soil withMiracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs. • Plant according to spacing recommendations for the variety you’re growing. • Water thoroughly. • Fertilize during the growing season withMiracle-Gro® Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food. • Deadhead after flowering, andavoid hard pruning. While driving through the Appalachian Mountains during the spring and early summer you’ll notice flashes of color on the hillsides. Those are the huge native rhododendrons blooming with abandon. They thrive in the cool summer conditions and dappled shade provided by the pine and oak forests in the mountains. Lucky for home gardeners, the wild shrubs have been selected and tamed into well-behaved garden specimens suited for even the smallest courtyard spaces. While their flowers are the flashiest attributes, the evergreen leaves of most rhododendron varieties make a great garden backdrop year-round. Here’s how to grow and care for rhododendrons. How to Choose the Right Rhododendron The two main things to consider when selecting rhododendrons are yourhardiness zoneand the amount of space available for the plant to grow. There’s a broad range of mature plant sizes and temperature tolerances among rhododendron varieties. For example, P.J.M. hybrids are among the most reliably cold-hardy rhododendrons. Korean rhododendrons (Rho...

The first species available for garden use, in the mid-1600s, was the hairy alpine rose ( R. hirsutum), which may grow as high as 1 metre (3 feet). Large-leaved species (and their hybrids) from the Himalayan region have long been popular ornamental plants in Three species known as R. groenlandicum), marsh Labrador tea ( R. tomentosum), and western Labrador tea ( R. columbianum) are native to The catawba rhododendron, or mountain rosebay ( R. catawbiense), of the southeastern R. catawbiense and allied species. The R. maximum), overlapping in distribution with the catawba, ranges more northeasterly; it is often grown as an ornamental. Both can be small trees, up to 6 metres (20 feet) or taller. R. canadense), from northeastern North America, bears rosy-purple flowers before the leaves unfurl.

Phonetic Spelling rho-doh-DEN-dron This plant has high severity poison characteristics. Description Azaleas and rhododendrons are woody, evergreen or deciduous, rounded shrubs in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family. They are native to the United States and Asia and there are many cultivars and varieties, some native to North Carolina. They typically grow 6 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide. The genus name derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree. These plants prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soils in dappled shade and protection from afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. They do not tolerate dense clay, so if you have clay soil, amend with organic material. The roots may rot if soil does not drain well. Plant the root ball high in the soil to help with drainage issues. Avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing. Pruning, if desired, may be done after flowering. Azaleas and rhododendrons are at home as understory shrubs planted in groups in woodland or naturalized areas, or as specimens in pollinator gardens where the flowers will attract hummingbirds and the specialized bee Andrena cornelli. Some varieties are grown as houseplants. Per the American Rhododendron Society, "All azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas." Here are some general characteristics to differentiate the two: Quick ID Hints for Azaleas: • Bloom in April • Tubular or funnel-shaped flowers • One flower per stem but has many stems that mak...

Key points about azaleas and rhododendrons • Rhododendrons and azaleas offer a wide range of flower colors in the spring and are one of the most popular landscape plants in Maryland. • All rhododendrons and azaleas are members of the heath (Ericaceae) family and the genus Rhododendron. There are evergreen and deciduous forms of both. • (Rhododendron periclymenoides), a deciduous shrub, is one of native to the Mid-Atlantic area. Pinxter flower is very susceptible to deer browsing. • Other related landscape plants in the heath family that require similar growing conditions include Japanese andromeda ( Pieris japonica), (Kalmia latifolia), doghobble (Leucothoe), and blueberries (Vaccinium). • Where growing conditions are unsuitable, azaleas and rhododendrons are susceptible to the disorders and diseases described below. Growing azaleas and rhododendrons in Maryland Rhododendrons and azaleas prefer similar growing conditions: cool, moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH between 4.5 and 5.5), partial sunlight (morning sun and afternoon shade), and protection from strong winds. Before planting, mix Azaleas will generally tolerate drier conditions than rhododendrons. Avoid planting these shrubs in poorly drained compacted soils, low areas that collect water runoff, and locations near downspouts. These sites will often cause root rot issues. Spacing and mature size Tips for diagnosing plant problems The majority of plant problems are not caused by a disease or an insect, especially ...

On This Page • • • • • • • What Are Rhododendrons? Rhododendrons are flowering Native rhododendrons grow in North America, Europe and Asia, generally along the edges of wooded areas where the soil and shade are to their liking. The name rhododendron comes from the Greek words for “rose” and “tree.” Many grow to be quite large, often six to 10 feet tall, although some hybrids stay much smaller. Types of Rhododendrons The two main types of shrubs in the genus Rhododendrons are rhododendrons and azaleas. Rhododendrons One of the most popular groups of hybrid rhododendrons are the PJM group, named for the breeder, Peter J. Mezitt, who developed them in the 1930s. They are known to be exceptionally hardy, up to Specialty nurseries also sell native rhododendrons, which vary in size and hardiness depending on where they grow naturally. Azaleas As with rhododendrons, you can also find native Other Whether you buy an What is the Difference Between Rhododendrons and Azaleas? If you ask a botanist the difference, they’ll talk about the flowers and whether the shrubs are deciduous (drop their leaves in the fall) or evergreen (hold on to leaves until spring). Azaleas have thinner leaves. They can often be deciduous, and their funnel-shaped flowers have five or six stamens. Rhododendrons have thicker, leathery leaves and tend to be evergreen, with bell-shaped flowers containing 10 stamens. When To Plant Rhododendrons You’ll most often find rhododendrons for sale in the spring when they’...