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Rhododendron ponticum is often confused with:
Rhododendron kaempferi Rhododendron kaempferi
Rhododendron ponticum Rhododendron obtusum
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Monarda didyma plant with Lantana camara 'Miss Huff' in summer in Moore County
Malus hybrids Malus hybrid
Cercis canadensis tree form with pink blooms

Kurume Azalea Rhododendron ponticum

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Rhododendron x obtusum
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Dependable woody, evergreen or deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family.  Kurume hybrid azaleas are hybrid crosses  between R. kiusianum, R. kaempferi, R. sataense and R. obtusum.  Plant it in mass in a shrub border, use as a foundation planting, specimen or in a woodland garden.   This plant is used in bonsai.

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. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.

 

 

More information on Rhododendron.

Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Pink Pearl'
Tags:
#bees#red#white#pink#showy flowers#deciduous#partial shade#specimen#white flowers#wildlife plant#pink flowers#showy#red flowers#bonsai#deciduous shrub#nectar plant#mass planting#specialized bees#shrub border#foundation planting#woodland#small groups#pollinator plant#evergreen shrub
 
Rhododendron obtusum
Bright pink flowers Du Sa Ni Ma CC BY-NC 2.0
Rhododendron obtusum
Close up of white flowers. Alejandro Bayer Tamayo CC-BY-SA 2.0
Rhododendron obtusum
Form and a variety of flower colors. Sen Itto CC-BY-SA 2.0
Azalea kurume 'Pink Pearl' in the spring in Moore County
Azalea kurume 'Pink Pearl' in the spring in Moore County Susan Strine CC BY 2.0
Rhododendron x obtusum leaves, stem, and flowers
Leaves, stem, and flowers KENPEI CC BY-SA 3.0
Rhododendron x obtusum leaves and flowers
Leaves and flowers KENPEI CC BY-SA 3.0
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Pink Pearl'
Tags:
#bees#red#white#pink#showy flowers#deciduous#partial shade#specimen#white flowers#wildlife plant#pink flowers#showy#red flowers#bonsai#deciduous shrub#nectar plant#mass planting#specialized bees#shrub border#foundation planting#woodland#small groups#pollinator plant#evergreen shrub
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Rhododendron
    Species:
    ponticum
    Family:
    Ericaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Bulgaria, Lebanon, Caucasus
    Wildlife Value:
    Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Spreading
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Reddish-violet, bright red, scarlet, crimson, white, pink flowers
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Margin:
    Denticulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Alternate, simple glossy green leaves; 1.5 to 4 in. long
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees
  • 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:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Bark
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems