Rhododendron Rhododendron (PJM Group)
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Rhododendron:
- Phonetic Spelling
- roh-do-DEN-dron
- Description
-
Evergreen or deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family. Exceptionally winter hardy; protect from strong winds; does not like wet feet. Rhododendrons and azaleas are acid loving plants meaning that the soil needs to be slightly acidic to optimize growing conditions. It makes a great informal hedge plant. This is an underrated plant that is a wildly available in the nursery trade and would make an excellent addition to any landscape.
Seasons of Interest:
Foliage: Winter, purple Bloom: Spring, April
Form: Loose, upright
Wildlife Value: Tolerates damage by rabbits. 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 soil does not drain well. A healthy plant in the right place with proper maintenance should have few problems.
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:
- Four-Season Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Aglo' - pink
- 'Landmark' - near red
- 'Olga' - pink
- 'Pink Diamond'
- 'PJM'
- 'PJM Compact'
- 'PJM Elite'
- 'PJM Elite Star'
- 'PJM Regal'
- 'Aglo' - pink
- 'Aglo' - pink, 'Landmark' - near red, 'Olga' - pink, 'Pink Diamond', 'PJM', 'PJM Compact', 'PJM Elite', 'PJM Elite Star', 'PJM Regal'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Aglo' - pink
- 'Landmark' - near red
- 'Olga' - pink
- 'Pink Diamond'
- 'PJM'
- 'PJM Compact'
- 'PJM Elite'
- 'PJM Elite Star'
- 'PJM Regal'
- 'Aglo' - pink
- 'Aglo' - pink, 'Landmark' - near red, 'Olga' - pink, 'Pink Diamond', 'PJM', 'PJM Compact', 'PJM Elite', 'PJM Elite Star', 'PJM Regal'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Wildlife Value:
- Tolerates damage by rabbits. Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Texture:
- Coarse
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- 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:
- 4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8b, 8a
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Showy clusters of lavender, pink or rose flowers
-
-
Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Elliptic, hairless, leathery, dark green leaves (to 2.5” long); foliage acquires purple tones in winter.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Hedge
- Attracts:
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
