Alphabetical Plant Listing

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.

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 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

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Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea

Guides with Rhododendron - Azalea


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

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea

Guides with Rhododendron - Azalea

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