Rhododendron
Rhododendron spp.
An evergreen or deciduous shrub featuring woody stems, leathery alternate leaves, and clusters of funnel-shaped flowers.
- Light
- Partial shade, receiving 3 to 6 hours of filtered sunlight or morning sun per day.
- Water
- Requires regular moisture, about 1 inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation. Avoid allowing the shallow root system to dry out completely.
- Growth
- Perennial woody shrub with a dense, branching growth habit, maturing between 3 to 20 feet tall and wide depending on the variety.
Care instructions
Provide partial shade with morning sun, keep the soil consistently moist and well-draining, and apply an acidic fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Partial shade, receiving 3 to 6 hours of filtered sunlight or morning sun per day.
Watering
Requires regular moisture, about 1 inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation. Avoid allowing the shallow root system to dry out completely.
Soil
Rich, acidic soil with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 6.0 and excellent drainage.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 4 through 8, depending on the specific cultivar.
Growth habit
Perennial woody shrub with a dense, branching growth habit, maturing between 3 to 20 feet tall and wide depending on the variety.
Bloom season
Spring, producing large clusters of showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, white, or yellow.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken in summer, or by layering and seed.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soils, powdery mildew, and insect pests such as lace bugs and weevils.
Similar species
Azaleas, which are technically part of the same genus but generally deciduous with smaller, finer stems and narrower leaves.