Rhododendron decorum (Great White Rhododendron)
Great White Rhododendron, Midseason Rhododendron, Evergreen Rhododendron
Native to China, Myanmar, and Laos, Rhododendron decorum (Great White Rhododendron) is a very fragrant, large, evergreen shrub or small tree with attractive spring flowers, decorative bark, and handsome dark green leaves. Blooming heavily in mid to late spring, this Rhododendron species bears loose trusses of 7 to 12 large, strongly scented, funnel-shaped, white or pink-tinged flowers with a yellowish-green blotch in the throat. The foliage of elliptic, leathery leaves usually emerges with bronzy shades and remains handsome all year round. Easy to grow, this magnificent species is also vigorous, hardy, and tolerant of sun, warm, and dry conditions. It also has a tolerance for neutral pH soils.
- Grows with a bushy, erect, sometimes straggly habit, up to 4-15 ft. tall (1.2- 4.5m) and 3-10 ft. wide (90-300 cm).
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Sun part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Plant shallowly in a location protected from strong winter winds. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
- Perfect for shrub borders or mixed borders, hedges or screens, and shade gardens.
- Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.
- Removing spent flowers promotes new growth.
- All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
Rhododendron and Azalea: How To Grow And Care with Success
Want to learn how to grow and care for rhododendron and azalea flowers like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy their beautyRead More
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Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, H1 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 4' – 15' (120cm – 4.5m) |
Spread | 3' – 10' (90cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 36" – 120" (90cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, H1 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 4' – 15' (120cm – 4.5m) |
Spread | 3' – 10' (90cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 36" – 120" (90cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons