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Rhododendron 'Ramapo'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
rho-doh-DEN-dron roh-MOP-oh
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

‘Ramapo’ rhododendron is a very compact, woody, broadleaf evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family. It typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. The genus name derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree.

‘Ramapo’ grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils. It does 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. 

This beautiful dwarf rhododendron has fragrant leaves and large trusses of lovely purple spring flowers that provide a beautiful contrast to the green foliage and attract bees and hummingbirds. It is perfect for small gardens in cool, damp climates or planted in containers and used in interiorscapes.  This diminutive shrub is a terrific choice when a small accent plant with great presence is needed. It is equally well suited for a low hedge or planted in a woodland area. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Potential insect problems include aphids, borers, galls, lace bugs, scale, leafhoppers, mealy bugs, thrips, whiteflies, and mites. Disease problems include powdery mildew, blights, root rots, and leaf spots. 

While rhododendrons remain very popular for landscape use, many cultivars are susceptible to Phytophthora root rot—this leads to leaf loss, reduced vigor, branch dieback, and wilting. Implement good cultural practices first, such as improving drainage with organic matter or berms and avoiding overwatering or overfertilization. For suitable alternatives, see this video created by Charlotte Glen as part of the Plants, Pests, and Pathogens series.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Rhododendron.

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Tags:
#evergreen#showy flowers#poisonous#small spaces#houseplant#purple flowers#fragrant leaves#nectar plant#native bees#interiorscape#dwarf#specialized bees#pollinator plant#understory shrub#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#container plant#low hedge#wildlife friendly#woodland#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#showy flowers#poisonous#small spaces#houseplant#purple flowers#fragrant leaves#nectar plant#native bees#interiorscape#dwarf#specialized bees#pollinator plant#understory shrub#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#container plant#low hedge#wildlife friendly#woodland#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Rhododendron
    Family:
    Ericaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Wildlife Value:
    Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli. Attracts pollinators and specialized bees.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Elongated capsule.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Terminal cluster, tubular, 5-parted, white to deep pink or Bright pinkish violet-blue flowers on a small truss in spring yellow
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Alternate, simple, smooth- or toothed-margined, entire, glaucous blue-green to gray-green leaves; new growth is blue-gray; aromatic when crushed
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Hedge
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    Salivation, watering of eyes and nose, abdominal pain, loss of energy, depression, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficult breathing, progressive paralysis of arms and legs, coma.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Andromedotoxin
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Bark
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems