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Rhododendron macrophyllum (Pacific Rhododendron)

Pacific Rhododendron, California Rhododendron, California Rosebay, Coast Rhododendron, Red Rhododendron, Rhododendron californicum

Rhododendron macrophyllum, Pacific Rhododendron, California Rhododendron, California Rosebay, Coast Rhododendron, Red Rhododendron, Rhododendron californicum, pink Rhododendron, purple Rhododendron
Rhododendron macrophyllum, Pacific Rhododendron, California Rhododendron, California Rosebay, Coast Rhododendron, Red Rhododendron, Rhododendron californicum, pink Rhododendron, purple Rhododendron
Rhododendron macrophyllum, Pacific Rhododendron, California Rhododendron, California Rosebay, Coast Rhododendron, Red Rhododendron, Rhododendron californicum, pink Rhododendron, purple Rhododendron
Rhododendron macrophyllum, Pacific Rhododendron, California Rhododendron, California Rosebay, Coast Rhododendron, Red Rhododendron, Rhododendron californicum, pink Rhododendron, purple Rhododendron
Rhododendron macrophyllum, native rhododendron

Adding glorious color, Rhododendron macrophyllum (Pacific Rhododendron) is a large, upright branching, evergreen shrub boasting spectacular trusses of 10-20 bell-shaped pale to deep pink flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), in mid-spring to mid-summer. This is the showiest flowering shrub in the forests of western North America, with flower clusters that nearly rival in size and number those of its cultivated relatives. The charming blossoms appear above large whorls of deep green, egg-shaped to oblong leaves, 3-8 in. long (8-20 cm), with a smooth, leathery texture. The shrub is erect to spreading with stout branches. It tends to grow tall with an open habit when in the shade of large conifers but will stay smaller and more compact in areas where it gets more sun. Often grown as an ornamental, Pacific Rhododendron is a splendid and dramatic large foundation plant that is native to western North America.

  • Grows up to 4-15 ft. tall and wide (120-450 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade in humus-rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Shelter from strong winds. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil. Do not allow plants to dry out.
  • Perfect for beds and borders, wall side borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, and woodland gardens.
  • Keep an eye out for vine weevil, rhododendron and azalea whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, Pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids, powdery mildew, honey fungus, silver leaf, and Phytophthora.
  • Prune immediately after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, or by layering in autumn.
  • Native to western North America.
  • Rhododendrons contain poisonous substances and should not be ingested by humans or animals.
  • 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 beauty

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Rhododendron
Common names Pacific Rhododendron, Rhododendron
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 4' - 15'
(120cm - 4.6m)
Spread 4' - 12'
(120cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Pacific Northwest, California, Washington, Oregon
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, City and Courtyard
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Do I Need?
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Rhododendron Autumn Royalty
Rhododendron alabamense (Alabama Azalea)
Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea)
Rhododendron catawbiense (Catawba Rosebay)
Rhododendron maximum (Great Laurel)
Rhododendron canescens (Mountain Azalea)

Recommended Companion Plants

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir)
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Ellwoodii’ (Lawson Cypress)
Sequoia sempervirens (Redwood)
Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken Fern)
Mahonia nervosa (Cascade Mahonia)
Acer circinatum (Vine Maple)

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Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Pacific Northwest Region
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Azaleas and Rhododendrons with Attractive Fall Colors
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Azaleas and Rhododendrons: What is the Difference?
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Rhododendron
Common names Pacific Rhododendron, Rhododendron
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 4' - 15'
(120cm - 4.6m)
Spread 4' - 12'
(120cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Pacific Northwest, California, Washington, Oregon
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rhododendron
Guides with
Rhododendron
Not sure which Rhododendron to pick?
Compare Now

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