Rhododendron maximum (Great Laurel)
Great Laurel, Wild Rhododendron, Rosebay Rhododendron, White Laurel, Rosebay, Rhododendron ashleyi
Blooming later than most large-leaved rhododendrons, Rhododendron maximum (Great Laurel) is a large, upright branching, evergreen shrub boasting showy trusses of 16 to 24 delicate white to purplish-pink, bell-shaped flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), in early to late summer. The charming blossoms appear above the foliage of large, leathery, strap-like dark blue-green leaves, 4-8 in. long (10-20 cm), adorned with rusty orange undersides. Often grown as an ornamental, Great Laurel is one of the hardiest and largest evergreen rhododendrons. A splendid and dramatic large foundation plant that is native to eastern North America.
- Grows up to 5-15 ft. tall (150-450 cm) and 5-12 ft. wide (150-360 cm).
- A part shade lover, this plant is best grown in rich, humusy, moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Tolerates full shade. Plant shallowly. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
- Perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic gardens.
- Rabbit resistant.
- All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Propagate by seed or stem cuttings in fall or winter.
- Native to eastern North America.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 5' – 15' (150cm – 4.5m) |
Spread | 5' – 12' (150cm – 3.6m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
By DreamHack, Gerry Bishop, Shutterstock
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 | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 5' – 15' (150cm – 4.5m) |
Spread | 5' – 12' (150cm – 3.6m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons