Rhododendron
Rhododendron ponticum · Ericaceae
📷 Rasbak · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Feuilles toxiques par ingestion chez tous. Chiens/chats et enfants risquent troubles gastroentériques graves, potentiellement urgence.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around rhododendron and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Botanical family
- Ericaceae
- Plant type
- Evergreen shrub
- Adult height
- Up to 4 m
- Flowering
- May to June
- Flowers
- Pink, purple or white in clusters
- Foliage
- Evergreen, leathery
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Asia Minor
- Toxicity
- Toxic to animals (leaves and flowers)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Rhododendron needs acidic, cool, well-draining soil with non-limy organic mulch.
The common mistake
Planting it in chalky or too-dry soil triggers chlorosis and slow decline.
The pro's trick
Remove spent flowers without snapping the young shoots just below.
Care
Light and exposure
Plant your rhododendron in partial shade, sheltered from direct afternoon rays. A north-facing position or under the canopy of large trees works perfectly. Avoid full sun, which scorches the foliage and reduces flowering.
Regular watering
Your rhododendron needs frequent watering, especially during growth and flowering periods. Keep the soil moist but without waterlogging. During prolonged dry spells, water generously; in winter, reduce watering.
Acidic and well-drained soil
This plant requires acidic soil (pH 4 to 6) rich in organic matter and very well-drained. Loosen the soil with peat, leaf compost or pine bark. Chalky soil causes deficiencies and leaf yellowing.
Moderate fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer for acid-loving plants in spring. Moderate application is sufficient; excess nitrogen encourages lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Light pruning after flowering
Prune lightly after flowering to remove spent flowers and balance the shape. Avoid heavy pruning, which weakens the plant. Preserve the natural structure of the shrub.
Watch for pests and diseases
Monitor for spider mites and aphids in dry climates. Poor drainage promotes root rot; stagnant air can cause powdery mildew. Ensure good ventilation and well-aerated soil.
Did you know?
Rhododendron ponticum, native to the Mediterranean region and Turkey, was introduced to Great Britain in the 18th century. It naturalized so well there that it became invasive in some British forest ecosystems, to the point of being considered a threat to native flora. Today, ecologists are running control programs to preserve biodiversity.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CowberryVaccinium vitis-idaea
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- Bog rosemaryAndromeda polifolia
- BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.