Rhododendron Tree

Rhododendron is a genus of shrubs and small to (rarely) large trees, the smallest species growing to 10–100 cm (4–40 in) tall, and the largest, R. protistum var. giganteum, reported to 30 m (100 ft) tall.

Is A rhododendron a tree or a Bush?

Rhododendrons are acid-loving, woody shrubs with colorful flower clusters. They prefer damp climates with cool, mild temperatures, but there are rhododendron plants suitable for Zones 4-9. With thousands of varieties available, there's one to suit just about every garden.

How tall do rhododendron trees grow?

They usually grow from 3 to 8 feet tall and wide. For this story, rhododendrons refers to those plants with large, evergreen leaves up to 6 inches long. They get bigger than azaleas, 8 to 12 feet tall and wide (although I've seen our native Catawba rhododendrons towering 30 feet tall in the North Carolina mountains).

What is the problem with rhododendrons?

These include fungal leaf spots, leaf and flower gall, root rot, oedema, leaf flooding, winter injury, and chlorosis.

How fast do rhododendron trees grow?

Some Rhododendrons will experience a fast growth rate (2 ft. per or 60 cm) while others will slowly grow less than 0.5 in. per year (1cm). If you choose plants that are the right size, to begin with, they are relatively maintenance-free.

Is rhododendron poisonous to touch?

The flowers, leaves and fruits, as well as other parts of the plant albeit in smaller quantities, contain toxic diterpenes. Even contact with the plant can cause skin irritation. Therefore, you should always wear gloves when caring for and planting rhododendrons.

Where is the best place to plant a rhododendron?

The ideal site for planting rhododendrons is semi-shaded to sunny. It must also be sheltered from the prevailing winds, particularly in winter, as rhododendrons are highly prone to wind damage.

Do rhododendrons turn into trees?

Some rhododendrons are trees reaching a height of 100 feet and others grow as a ground cover only a few inches tall. It seems that plants that thrive in the wild with little care should be easy to grow.

How poisonous is rhododendron?

Serious poisoning is unlikely when small pieces of azalea or rhododendron are swallowed. But swallowing large amounts of any part of the plant or honey made from these flowering plants can cause life-threatening symptoms.

Does rhododendrons like sun or shade?

Traditional rhododendrons thrive in filtered sunlight and acidic soil. Newer varieties can tolerate a range of sunlight conditions, but always check the plant tag or description when shopping to make sure the plant needs match your garden conditions.

Will rhododendron spread?

Rhododendrons grow in all sizes and shapes - from low growing ground covers, to medium-sized shrubs, to tree-size plants. Some varieties naturally have a rounded, ball-shaped plant habit, others are open and spreading, while other rhododendrons have an upright growth habit.

Do rhododendrons stay green all year?

The genus Rhododendron encompasses both rhododendrons and azaleas, but unlike most azaleas, most rhododendrons have the advantage of being evergreen, which means their lush leaves have great value in a winter landscape. In early spring, rhododendrons explode with vibrant blooms in a host of colors.

Are rhododendron roots invasive?

In summary: Rhododendron is an introduced species. It is highly invasive. It destroys habitats and thus whole colonies of native plants and animals disappear. Because it is so expensive to control and physically prevents access, land has been abandoned.

Do rhododendrons poison the soil?

So not only does Rhododendron block out life-giving light, but it poisons the soil as well.” Ulster Wildlife Trust. “As well as shading large areas to cut out light for other plants to grow, the bush poisons nearby soil with chemicals that kill other species.” Jenny Fyall, news.scotsman.com.

What kills a rhododendron?

Too much water. Overwatering and planting in heavy, poorly draining soils are primary causes of death for newly planted rhododendrons. With new plantings, gardeners generally learn to dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball being planted.

Do rhododendrons survive winter?

Certain rhododendrons and deciduous azaleas can survive temperatures as low as -35°F (-37°C). It is normal for some rhododendrons to exhibit leaf droop and curl at around 32°F (0°C).; the lower the temperature the tighter the curl. Leaf movement occurs rapidly and it is reversible as temperature warms.

Will rhododendrons take full sun?

Rhododendrons will grow nicely in full sun to moderate shade. A few Rhododendron varieties such as Caroline', 'Scintillation', Yakushimanum hybrids, 'Hong Kong and the hardy varieties from Finland must have some shade in midday or the foliage will yellow or even burn – especially during a hot summer.

Are rhododendrons hard to care for?

The rhododendron bush is an attractive, blooming specimen in many landscapes and is fairly low maintenance when planted properly. Growing rhododendron successfully requires the proper planting spot for the rhododendron bush. Proper soil preparation is also necessary for the health of this acid loving plant.

Are rhododendron toxic to dogs?

#12 Azalea/Rhododendron These common flowering shrubs are poisonous plants for dogs and produce serious gastrointestinal issues. They can additionally cause weakness, discoordination, and weak heart rate. Potentially fatal.

Why does rhododendron symbolize danger?

It is also the national flower of Nepal. The bell-shaped rhododendron flowers belie what grows beneath and its leaves have proven to be poisonous. The rhododendron plant contains toxins, which if ingested, are harmful to humans and animals which can be a possible reason behind the flower symbolizing caution and danger.