Rhododendron decorum (Great White 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.