Rhododendron
Rhododendron spp.
A woody shrub or small tree featuring alternate, simple, glossy evergreen leaves clustered toward branch tips and prominent terminal flower buds.
- Light
- Partial shade, preferring 4 to 6 hours of morning sun or filtered light per day
- Water
- Requires consistently moist, well-draining soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil becomes dry, avoiding waterlogged conditions.
- Growth
- Perennial woody evergreen shrub with a dense, spreading habit, reaching mature heights of 3 to 20 feet and varying spreads with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide partial shade with filtered morning sunlight, consistently moist and well-draining acidic soil, and regular watering during dry periods. Apply an acid-forming fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Partial shade, preferring 4 to 6 hours of morning sun or filtered light per day
Watering
Requires consistently moist, well-draining soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil becomes dry, avoiding waterlogged conditions.
Soil
Rich, organic, highly 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 species and cultivar
Growth habit
Perennial woody evergreen shrub with a dense, spreading habit, reaching mature heights of 3 to 20 feet and varying spreads with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Spring to early summer, producing large clusters of bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, white, or yellow.
Propagation
Propagated through semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken in summer, or through layering and seed sowing.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soils, powdery mildew, lace bugs, and weevils. Prevent by ensuring proper soil drainage and adequate air circulation.
Similar species
Camellias and Mountain Laurel share a similar evergreen shrub form and glossy foliage, but can be distinguished by differences in flower structure and leaf arrangement.