Rhododendron kaempferi
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- rho-doh-DEN-dron KAYMP-fer-ee
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Woody, evergreen or deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family. Low maintenance and easy to grow. This cultivar is less demanding than Kurume azaleas (Rhododendron ponticum)
Wildlife Value: Nectar from flowers attracts hummingbirds and bees. Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Rhododendrons are susceptible to insect and disease problems. Insect problems include aphids, borers, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips, and whitefly. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Full sun can scorch the leaves and the roots rot if the soil does not drain well. A healthy plant in the right place with proper maintenance should have few problems. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.
Form: Upright; open
Poison Part: All parts.
Poison Delivery Mode: Ingestion
Severity: HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!
Found in: Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape as a cultivated woody shrub; a forest or natural area.
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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Species:
- kaempferi
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Wildlife Value:
- Nectar from flowers attracts hummingbirds and bees. Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Open
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Pink
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Description:
- Salmon-red, orange-red, pink to rosy scarlet and white flowers
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Dark green leaves; reddish fall color
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Attracts:
- Hummingbirds
- Pollinators
- Specialized Bees
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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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, cardiac failure, difficult breathing, progressive paralysis of arms and legs, coma.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Andromedotoxin, Grayantoxin
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
- Stems
