Ramapo Rhododendron Rhododendron 'Ramapo'
- Phonetic Spelling
- rho-doh-DEN-dron roh-MOP-oh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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‘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 developed 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
- 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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Mounding
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Elongated capsule.
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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
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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
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- 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
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- While the plants are known to contain toxins, ingestion of moderate amounts of azalea (nectar or leaves) poses little toxic hazard.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Grayanotoxins
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
- Stems
