Sun Azalea Rhododendron Southern Indica Hybrids
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- roh-do-DEN-dron
- Description
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Evergreen to deciduous shrub in the Ericacae family. Many cultivars; strong sun and heat tolerance; large flowers; buds hardy to 20 degrees F. This plant is moderately salt tolerant.
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract humingbirds. 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 scortch 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.
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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- 'Brilliant'
- 'Formosa'
- 'George Tabor'
- 'G. G. Gerbing'
- 'Brilliant'
- 'Brilliant', 'Formosa', 'George Tabor', 'G. G. Gerbing'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Brilliant'
- 'Formosa'
- 'George Tabor'
- 'G. G. Gerbing'
- 'Brilliant'
- 'Brilliant', 'Formosa', 'George Tabor', 'G. G. Gerbing'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Wildlife Value:
- Flowers attract humingbirds. Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Spreading
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Large, single; up to 2-3 inches, of multiple colors depending on cultivar
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Attracts:
- Hummingbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Salt
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
