Rosebay Rhododendron is a large native evergreen shrub with a loosely upright habit and leathery dark green foliage. Large clusters of clear white to pink tinted flowers with a yellow blotch and green flecks bloom from early to mid summer. A very versatile plant that prefers morning or part sun with rich, well-drained acidic soils. Note: Highly toxic if any part is ingested.
|
Type:
|
Shrub
|
|
Origins:
|
Eastern North America, GA Native
|
|
Height:
|
5’ - 15’
|
|
Spread:
|
5’ - 12’
|
|
Spacing:
|
10’
|
|
USDA Hardiness Zone:
|
3 - 7
|
|
Culture:
|
Part Sun, Full Shade
|
|
Bloom Color:
|
White
|
|
Season of Interest:
|
Summer, Year-Round
|
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: A low maintenance plant. Moderate water needs, properly drained soils is a must to avoid root rot. Mulch helps to keep roots from drying out. Keep away from drip lines of the walnut family. Acidify soils as needed (PH range of 5 to 6.5) Can use sulfur or iron sulfate to lower ph, and lime or limestone to raise PH. Buds grow on old growth in winter, so if need to prune do so after the spring bloom. Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust.
LANDSCAPE USES: Mass or Specimen Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Native Gardens, Foundation Plantings, and Hedges..
COMPANION PLANTS: Hydrangea, Viburnum, Camelia
IMAGES: SB Johnny, Rhododendron maximum flowers 8601, CC BY-SA 3.0, (2) Arx Fortis, Rhododendron maximum, CC BY-SA 3.0, (3) John Hayes, Appalachian Trail 2009
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown
