Rhododendron 'Praecox'
Praecox' Rhododendron, Rhododendron フム praecox, Early Season Rhododendron
Incredibly pretty, Rhododendron 'Praecox' is prized for its early spring blooms which brighten the dull days of winter. Among the earliest Rhododendrons to flower, this small semi-evergreen shrub bears clouds of delicate clusters of 2 to 3, widely funnel-shaped, rosy-pink to lilac-purple flowers, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), at its branch tips from late winter to early spring. The shiny, dark green leaves are small, ovate to rounded with paler undersides. 'Praecox' is a famous old early flowering hybrid, which is spectacular when in full bloom. It emanates from a cross between Rhododendron ciliatum and Rhododendron dauricum. Easy to grow, it is a very reliable performer which can withstand temperatures as low as -5°F (-21°C). Ideal for adding early color to the garden, it makes a ravishing accent shrub and is a great companion to early daffodils and other spring bulbs.
- Grows with an upright, rounded habit, up to 3-5 ft. tall and wide (90-150 cm).
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- A sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Tolerates a fair amount of sun in cool northern summers. 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, as a flowering hedge or privacy screen, foundation plantings, and shade gardens. Great for small gardens and containers too!
- 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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 8 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early) Winter |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 60" (90cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens, 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 | 6
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 8 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early) Winter |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 60" (90cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons