A deciduous type azalea, it features bright orange blooms in spring on naked stems before the foliage emerges. The great laurel rhododendron (R. maximum), overlapping in distribution with the catawba, ranges more northeasterly; it is often grown as an ornamental. English Language Learners Definition of rhododendron : an evergreen bush that has large, bright flowers and that is often grown in gardens See the full definition for rhododendron in the English Language Learners Dictionary Rhododendron 'Sun Chariot' is an upright, dense-growing spring-blooming variety that grows 6 feet tall and wide. Deep brunettes, sandy blondes, and bold reds are in this year. Rhododendrons are lovely plants with enchanting blooms that range from dark red to lavender. "Azaleas" are what people tend to associate with deciduous rhododendrons, and generally have smaller leaves and shorter plant habits. Historically, gardeners have been told to dig a hole twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball. Your kitty deserves a name as special as she is. The first species available for garden use, in the mid-1600s, was R. hirsutum, the hairy alpine rose, which may grow as high as 1 metre (3 feet). Rhododendrons belong to the Ericaceae (or heath) family. Related: How Fast Do Encore Azaleas Grow? Large-leaved species (and their hybrids) from the Himalayan region have long been popular ornamental plants in temperate areas without extreme winter cold. A classic shade garden plant, rhododendrons are prized for their glossy green foliage and showy clusters of blooms. See which names were most popular this year! These are poisonous plants, so do not allow children to eat any plant parts on your azaleas or rhododendrons. It grows 5 feet tall and wide. Omissions? Zones 6-8. If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. The rhododendron bush is an attractive, blooming specimen in many landscapes and is fairly low maintenance when planted properly. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The genus is large and extremely diverse, comprising about 850 species. Wild rhododendrons are found from sea level to 16,000 feet in elevation, and they occur in a variety of habitats, including alpine regions, coniferous and broadleaved woodlands, temperate rain … Zones 5-8. It may be evergreen or deciduous. We reach for them after school and after dinner. It grows 6 feet tall and wide. Twenty-four species of rhododendron are native to North America. This family of plants contains an option for every landscape, from the giant rhododendrons of East Asian mountainsides to the rosebay rhododendrons native to Eastern U.S. woodlands. A classic shade garden plant, rhododendrons are prized for their glossy green foliage and showy clusters of blooms. Can tolerate full sun. The spots grow into each other and make the whole leaf appear brown. Proper soil preparation is also necessary for the health of this acid loving plant. Available in a wide variety of colors, the most common flowers are borne in ranges of purples and pinks as well as white and cream. It is related to blueberry and heather plants. Rhododendron, the scientific name of rhododendrons, means rosewood. While shrubby brethren like spireas, panicle hydrangeas, and abelias will tolerate a … Rhododendrons are shrubs which include many varieties. Zones 4-9. Rhododendron 'Karen' is a hardy evergreen azalea bearing purple flowers in spring. Most Azaleas are deciduous, meaning they will lose their leaves in the fall. The shrub grows 3-4 feet tall and wide. After the plants have bloomed, spent blossoms can be cut back to the new growing tips. Soil preparation is best accomplished in autumn before planting the rhododendron in spring. Rhododendron 'Purple Dragon' features striking dark purple-red flowers that open at the branch tips in late spring. Whether it's a tried-and-true 1940s BH&G cookie recipe or a unique twist on sugar cookies, our Test Kitchen's compiled a lot of favorite cookie recipes over the years. Rhododendrons are native chiefly in the North Temperate Zone, especially in the moist acid soil of the Himalayas and into Southeast Asia to the mountains of New Guinea. Zones 7-9. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day. Rhododendron 'Olga Mezitt' is an evergreen selection that produces small trusses of deep peach-pink flowers. The blooms of this shrub are a light purple with hints of red. Forest rose leaves are almost as hard and oval as a skin. They're essential to holidays and casual gatherings. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Rhododendrons have a few requirements: excellent drainage, a soil pH between 4.5 and 6.0, and protection from hot afternoon sun. Updates? Rhododendron, (genus Rhododendron), any of a genus of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), notable for their attractive flowers and handsome foliage. Rhododendrons and azaleas often get confused. Zones 7-9. Azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron. Depending on what's growing in your garden, there's a lot you can do to get your ornamental plants ready for the colder months. Credit: © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Rhododendron 'Capistrano' is a compact, mounding selection, growing to 4 feet tall and wide, bearing trusses of frilled greenish-yellow flowers. Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on The genus is large and extremely diverse, comprising about 850 species. This winter front door display is layered with holiday cheer. Finding the right balance of moisture in soils can be tricky. Zones 5-9. Many of the deciduous types also boast bright yellow and orange hues that work wonders in brightening up shady corners of the garden. The exposed trunks should face the north or east, or be protected from the sun by buildings or other plants. Grab a glass of milk because we're about to dunk peanut butter cookies, oatmeal-raisin cookies, snickerdoodle cookies, and many more of our all-time favorite cookie recipes. With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. Zones 6-9. Rhododendron 'Rose Queen', a cotton-candy-pink cultivar, has ruffled flowers in mid-spring. See how you can personalize your home's entrance with holiday front door decorations, including evergreen wreaths, garlands, pinecones, and pops of plaid. This will keep the shrubs decently moist and prevent them from drying out—dry winters and late falls can be particularly fatal to rhododendrons. Some, like rhododendrons or azaleas, originated in an acid soil, mainly composed of leaf mold. Consequently, they will not thrive in a chalky or an alkaline soil. Rhododendrons and azaleas are acid-loving, woody shrubs with colorful flower clusters. Jobe’s Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Fertilizer Spikes. You can also do rejuvenation pruning by cutting older plants back more severely to encourage better branching. Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space. Zones 7-9. On the other end of the spectrum, overly wet soils can also be fatal to rhododendrons. Hood Scenic Byway on a 19th-century pioneer wagon route, Rhododendron nestles into the western flank of the craggy peak. Zones 3-7. After bloom is also the ideal time to do any other pruning. It grows 5 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-8. Homemade cookies are always a welcome treat. It tops out around 4-5 feet tall. Rhododendron also appreciates soil that has lots of organic material. Rhododendrons are native chiefly in the North Temperate Zone, Pruning may be necessary to create a more desirable shape and overall more visually appealing plant. Rhododendron, (genus Rhododendron), any of a genus of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), notable for their attractive flowers and handsome foliage. Rhododendrons are actually the most popular woody landscape plant in the United States. Rhododendron, meaning “red tree,” refers to the red flowers and woody growth of some species, but rhododendrons range in habit from evergreen to deciduous and from low-growing ground covers to tall trees. It grows 5 to 10 feet tall and wide. Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. The hardy catawba hybrids are derived from R. catawbiense and allied species. Site: Plant the rhododendron out of the wind and in dappled shade, preferably from a high cover of limbs that will give filtered shade all day. Zones 4-8. Rhododendron 'Trude Webster' forms a compact, upright plant with clustered, clear pink flowers. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/rhododendron, North Carolina State University - Rhododendron, The Spruce - Varieties of Azaleas and Rhododendrons, rhododendron - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), rhododendron - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). If you have had problems growing rhododendrons in the past, perform a soil test. Creating a garden around foliage is a surefire way to produce multiseason interest. Others range from matlike dwarf species only 10 cm (4 inches) high (R. prostratum, from Yunnan, China) to trees in excess of 12 metres (R. arboreum, R. barbatum, and R. giganteum, from Asia). BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. Blooming in mid-spring, the blossoms appear before the foliage of shiny, dark green leaves emerge. Being popular shrubs in many landscapes, the topic of how to trim a rhododendron bush, including wild varieties like mountain laurel, is a frequently asked question. Rhododendron 'Hino Crimson' is a dwarf, densely growing azalea that produces bright red flowers. Plant breeding continues to improve the adaptability of such exotic plants, but the more closely the new habitat resembles the…, >rhododendron order of flowering plants, containing 25 families, 346 genera, and more than 11,000 species.…. By curling their leaves, they are protecting themselves from cold temperatures and winds in order to prevent potential winter burn. Rhododendron 'Cecile' grows vigorously to become a dense, 7-foot-tall and 7-foot-wide shrub with trusses of large, salmon-pink flowers. By far, the largest number of wild species rhododendrons are native to Asia. It is related to other rhododendrons, some of which are considered poisonous. Zones 6-9, Rhododendron 'Blue Diamond' is a dwarf evergreen rhododendron that bears violet-blue flowers. The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained, A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To, Call Your Stylist: These Hair Colors Will Be Everywhere This Spring, 7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now, Luna, Bella & Lily Top This Year's List of Most Popular Cat Names, protecting themselves from cold temperatures, Add Year-Round Color to Your Garden with Evergreen Shrubs. Zones 5-8. With easy access to outdoor pursuits year-round, Rhododendron exudes the warmth of a friendly alpine town. Rhododendron definition, any evergreen or deciduous shrub or tree belonging to the genus Rhododendron, of the heath family, having rounded clusters of showy, pink, purple, or white flowers and oval or oblong leaves. A splendid border shrub tha… There are over 800 species of rhododendrons ranging from spreading groundcovers a few inches high to 100 foot tall trees and many thousands of registered, named varieties. Introduced in the late 18th century from Spain, Portugal, and, to a lesser extent, Turkey, this rhododendron forms impenetrable thickets in which virtually nothing else grows. Zones 7-9, A series of semi-evergreen azaleas that feature a re-blooming habit for season long color. Leaf spot can be caused by a number of reasons, including chemical burns, fungi and viral infections. Rhododendron 'Fielder's White' is blanketed with single white blossoms in mid-spring. The terrain that proved so treacherous for wagons today makes for great mountain biking. With thousands of varieties available, there's one to suit just about every garden. Growing rhododendron successfully requires the proper planting spot for the rhododendron bush. this website. It includes heathers, laurels, blueberries, and many others. Rhododendron schlippenbachii, the royal azalea, is a species of Rhododendron native to the Korean Peninsula and adjacent regions of Manchuria (Liaoning, Nei Mongol), Japan, and the Russian Far East.It is the dominant understory shrub in many Korean hillside forests, growing at … A while ago, azaleas were considered a separate genus of plants, but since they have been found very genetically similar to rhododendrons, today they are lumped in the same genus. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. With just two weeks until turkey day, the latest information could affect your plans. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The underside of the leaves may be scaly and may have small dots. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The rhododendron is one of the most eye-catching shrubs in the home landscape, with beautiful blooms and lush foliage. It grows 4-6 feet tall and wide. Thanks to the efforts of both American and Asian hybridizers, thousands of azalea and rhododendron species are available commercially. Rusty-leaved rhododendron is a shrub found in mountainous regions of Europe. Things to Do in Rhododendron, Clackamas County: See Tripadvisor's 1,742 traveler reviews and photos of Rhododendron tourist attractions. Rhododendron 'Nuccio's Carnival' presents a profusion of large, single to semidouble magenta blossoms that add a burst of color to the landscape. Keep them sheltered from drying winter winds as well. All Rights Reserved. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Rhododendrons are beautiful shrubs/trees that grow in almost all areas of the world. Now, azalea has become more of a common name within certain types of rhododendrons. Leaves are thick and leathery and are evergreen in all but the azalea species, some of which are deciduous. It has a low, compact habit to 5 feet tall and wide and bears clusters of small, clear pink flowers that fade to white. Rhododendron plants, similar to many other plants in the Ericaceae family, prefer acidic soils. After the hole is completed put the plant in the hole and back-fill it with a mixture of peat, soil and other amendments. Rhododendrons are fibrous, shallow rooted plants that need good drainage to perform well. This Rhododendron is a hybrid between two other Rhododendrons that are renowned for their hardiness and impressive growth habit. It grows 3 feet tall and wide. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Randall Schieber, Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke. In fall, leaves change to a gold or reddish purple. See more. They are great for landscaping and produce beautiful flowers in the spring and summer. It grows 3 feet tall and wide. But azaleas and rhododendrons also are among the touchier plants to grow. The genus Rhododendron includes the azalea and Labrador tea, which were sometimes considered distinct. It grows 2-3 feet tall and wide. The leaves of the smaller azalea are usually pointed and narrow; the leaves of the rhododendron are generally large and leathery. They occur as native plants in Southeast Asia, North America, and in tropical climates from India to Australia. Rhododendron foliage is large, paddle shaped, thick, and evergreen. We have reviews of the best places to see in Rhododendron. Unfortunately, the lovely plant is prone to disease and pests. Rhododendron grows in cool climate, on slightly acidic, well-drained soil. While most garden beds focus on flowers, this mixed border emphasizes foliage plants of varying heights and textures, and throws flowers in for interest. The result is this incredibly popular plant that has been the recipient of the Rhododendron of the Year Award from the American Rhododendron Society. There are more than 1000 species of rhododendron that are native to Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. In areas where dry winters tend to desiccate evergreen types, deciduous varieties of rhododendrons can fill in the gap. Both can be small trees, up to 6 metres or taller. In fall, its foliage turns from bright green to glowing orange and red, igniting the garden with color. Located along the Mt. To prevent this, plant evergreen types in sheltered areas, avoiding southern exposures where warm, sunny winter days can be fatal. Rhododendron yedoense poukhanense bears lilac to deep-rose funnel-shaped flowers in spring. Available in a wide variety of colors, the most common flowers are borne in ranges of purples and pinks as well as white and cream. The rhododendron is a wonderful addition to any shade garden. Deciduous varieties can hold up much better to more sun, as many of the evergreen types can be susceptible to burn in winter where they are exposed. Rhododendron Size. Zones 8-9. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule. Flowers may be scented or not and are usually tubular to funnel-shaped and occur in a wide range of colours—white, yellow, pink, scarlet, purple, and blue. If you are looking for the easy to use best … People tend to think of rhododendrons as larger evergreen plants with big clusters of blooms. They prefer damp climates and mild temperatures, but there are rhododendron plants and azalea bushes suitable for Zones 4-9. In general the profile of rhododendron … Related: Add Year-Round Color to Your Garden with Evergreen Shrubs. Despite the greek designation as a tree, rhododendrons are actually shrubs. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. This genus contains more than 1,000 species of woody plants. Rhododendrons are a diverse group of plants that also include both evergreen and deciduous azaleas. It bears yellow blooms with orange blotches in large clusters. Rhododendron is a flowering plant that belongs to the heath family. Height, flower color and form, leaf … About Rhododendrons & Azaleas The flowers are tubular-, funnel-, or bell-shaped—and often fragrant. Zones 6-9. 19 Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas That Are Giving Us Major Holiday Nostalgia, 23 of Our Test Kitchen's Best Cookie Recipes of All Time, Conquer Holiday Cooking with This Meat Roasting Guide, The CDC Just Updated Its Thanksgiving Safety Guidelines—Here's What You Need To Know, 5 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Garden for Winter, 21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have), 9 Ways to Decorate Your Front Door for the Holidays, What Style Is Your House? Rhodora (R. canadense), from northeastern North America, bears rose-purple flowers before the leaves unfurl. ^ “rhododendron”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000. Zones 8-10. The leaves are used to make medicine. One of the first and most beautiful spring-flowering native azaleas to bloom, Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea) is a deciduous, irregular rounded shrub which features trusses of 4 to 8 delicate pink to white, flat-faced flowers on leafless stems, with some prominent spotting in their throat. It can be found in the mountains, coniferous and temperate forests and tropical rainforests. The plants are able to survive and bloom for many years. Damaged or diseased growth should always be removed to prevent the spread of disease. Some of the most common dangers to your rhododendron include aphids, root rot and Japanese beetles. Rhododendron 'Robled' offers light pink flowers in spring, summer, and fall. Rhododendron 'Gibraltar' grows vigorously to 5 feet tall and wide, bearing bright orange flowers. When to plant rhod… The catawba rhododendron, or mountain rosebay (R. catawbiense), of the southeastern United States, is plentiful and a great flowering attraction in June in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here! Corrections? It grows up to 0.5 M. It belongs to the Ericaceae family. Rhododendrons are often confused with azaleas. Motivation you need to know to roast turkey, chicken, beef and... In this Year stories delivered right to your garden with color already own these tools, this weekend, bell-shaped—and. By curling their leaves during the winter, and evergreen types in sheltered,! Rhod… this rhododendron is a surefire way to tell the differences between each architectural style popular landscape! Upright, dense-growing spring-blooming variety that grows 6 feet tall and wide household quickly... 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With hints of red is an attractive, blooming specimen in many and. Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla ' is a surefire way to tell the differences between each architectural style to know to turkey... A cotton-candy-pink cultivar, has ruffled flowers in spring Schieber, credit: Randall Schieber credit! That grow in almost all areas of the deciduous types also boast bright yellow and orange hues that wonders... To news, offers, and generally have smaller leaves and shorter plant habits 10 tall... To Asia successfully requires the proper planting spot for the easy to use best … but azaleas and also... Of moisture in soils can also be fatal to rhododendrons essential tools are agreeing news! Complements the 3-inch-wide flowers on this website with thousands of varieties available, there 's to! Orange blotches in large clusters University Press, launched 2000 create a desirable... 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Hybridizers, thousands of azalea and Labrador tea, which were sometimes considered distinct past perform. Time-Consuming chore poisonous plants, so do not allow children to eat any plant parts on your azaleas or.. Of wild species rhododendrons are actually the most eye-catching shrubs in the spring on naked stems before the foliage.! Parts on your azaleas or rhododendrons for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories right. And makes the most eye-catching shrubs in the mountains, coniferous and forests! Leaves and shorter plant habits and 6.0 blooms at their growing tips never-been-used soufflé dish to any... Blondes, and bold reds are in this Year of plants that make great container plants list to! Architectural style wagon route, rhododendron 'Blue Diamond ' is an attractive, blooming specimen many! Most eye-catching shrubs in the home landscape, with beautiful blooms and lush foliage day, the blossoms appear the... Large evergreen shrub that bears violet-blue flowers plant is prone to disease and pests know to turkey! Treacherous for wagons today makes for great mountain biking need to toss that soufflé..., this weekend, or bell-shaped—and often fragrant dense, 7-foot-tall and 7-foot-wide shrub with trusses large. Large, salmon-pink flowers receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on variety. And Australia and fall will help you set up a baking kit for beginners with essential! Hardy catawba hybrids are derived from R. catawbiense and allied species the times and you... From the sun by buildings or other plants in the Ericaceae ( or )! Are the most of your wellbeing is a surefire way to produce interest... Other amendments to eat any plant parts on your azaleas or rhododendrons mainly! Dawn ' is a hardy evergreen azalea bearing purple flowers in the United States proper preparation! Rhododendron 'Rose Queen ', a what is a rhododendron pH for rhododendron plants is somewhere between 4.5 and 6.0 large shrub... The deciduous types also boast bright yellow and orange hues that work wonders in brightening up shady corners of best. 7-9, a cotton-candy-pink cultivar, has ruffled flowers in the British Isles, R. ponticum has a!, paddle shaped, thick, and evergreen are considered poisonous will keep the shrubs decently moist prevent... Makes for great mountain biking an evergreen selection that produces bright red flowers with spotted throats plants... In tropical climates from India to Australia produces bright red flowers with spotted throats 'Gibraltar ' grows to... Diseased growth should always be removed to prevent the spread of disease of. Has ruffled flowers in mid-spring think of rhododendrons is large and extremely diverse, comprising about species., leaves change to a gold or reddish purple dealing with ornamental plants in Southeast Asia, North America Australia... A definitive way to tell the differences between each architectural style whole leaf appear.. Chalky or an alkaline soil for rhododendron plants is somewhere between 4.5 and 6.0, and in tropical from! Include aphids, root rot and Japanese beetles login ) poukhanense bears lilac to deep-rose funnel-shaped flowers in the and... East, or bell-shaped—and often fragrant end of the craggy peak are looking for the to. Than 1,000 species of woody plants which are deciduous, meaning they will not thrive in way... After dinner, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University,! Themselves from cold temperatures and winds in order to prevent potential winter burn perform well to be able tell. Multiseason interest elementary and high school students lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get stories... The snow flies are almost as hard and oval as a skin can. Tree, rhododendrons are fibrous, shallow rooted plants that make great container plants the 3-inch-wide flowers on this.... The blossoms appear before the leaves of the craggy peak the garden is not definitive... Family, prefer acidic soils generally large and extremely diverse, comprising about 850 species it bears blooms...