Rhododendron, beautiful, rustic and very resistant

Azaleas are Rhododendron

The Rhododendron they are really spectacular bushy plants. They are very resistant to low temperatures, do not require special attention, and bloom during the spring that it is a pleasure to see them. Some flowers that, by the way, are very elegant, with very bright colors. But, of course, they do need some care.

If you want to know how to have them perfectly healthy, then we are going to tell you all about them.

Origin and characteristics of the Rhododendron

Group of rhododendrons

The Rhododendron are plants that originate mainly from Asia, although you can also find them in North America. They grow to a height that ranges from 10 centimeters to 30 meters, depending on the species. Most are evergreen, but there are others that are deciduous. The leaves are dark green and grow in a spiral.

Its flowers appear grouped in inflorescences of pink, red or white during the spring and part of the summer., being able to cover the entire plant. Thus, they alone create an incredible show, full of color, and life, as they attract pollinating insects such as bees, which, by the way, can become your allies in the garden, since thanks to pollination you can get better harvests.

It is important to say that they are poisonous plants. Its pollen and nectar contain a toxin called grayanotoxin, and in addition, no other part of the Rhododendron should be consumed.

Main species

The genus Rhododendron is made up of more than 1000 species, the following being the most popular:

rhododendron catawbiense

The Rhododendron catawbiense is a shrub with pink flowers

Image - Wikimedia / Kor! An (Андрей Корзун)

El rhododendron catawbiense is an evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States that reaches 3 meters in height. Its flowers are between 3 and 4,5 centimeters in diameter, and are purple in color.

rhododendron ferrugineum

The Rhododendron ferrugineum is a perennial shrub

Image - Wikimedia / Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

El rhododendron ferrugineum It is an evergreen shrub than in the mountainous regions of Europe, such as the Pyrenees or the Alps. Reaches a low height, between 0,5 and 1,5 meters high, and its flowers are pink.

Rhododendron indicum

The Rhododendron indicum is a small shrub

Image - Wikimedia / Kor! An (Андрей Корзун)

El Rhododendron indicum, well known by the common name azalea, is an evergreen shrub native to China that grows between 0,5 and one meter in height. Its flowers are small, between 2 and 3 centimeters, and of different colors (white, pink, purple, bicolor, ...).

Rhododendron ponticum

The Rhododendron ponticum has lilac flowers

Image - Wikimedia / A. Barra

El Rhododendron ponticum, well known as rhododendron or ojaranzo, is a shrub native to Turkey and southern Spain. Reaches a height of approximately 1 meter, and its cheerful and pretty purple or reddish flowers are about 4 centimeters.

Rhododendron simsii

The Rhododendron simsii is a flowering shrub of various colors

Image - Wikimedia / Dryas

El Rhododendron simsii, also called azalea, is an evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia that reaches a height of up to 2 meters. Its flowers are of very diverse colors, from white to dark red.

How to care for the Rhododendron?

They are very easy to grow plants, if we take into account a number of things before taking them home. Namely:

Location

It is important that you place your plant abroadotherwise it will not be able to grow well. She must feel the passing of the seasons so that she can know when to bloom, or when to start the winter dormancy period for example.

If you decide to have it in the garden, you do not have to worry about its roots since they are not invasive. Now, it is very advisable to move it at least 1 meter away from the wall or wall so that they can have a correct development.

Luz

Does not like full sun. Ideally, place the Rhododendron in an outdoor area that is very well lit, but in which it is protected from the direct light of the star king. A good place would be under large trees, or in a patio with a roof.

Irrigation

Rhododendron flowers are medium-sized

Requires moderate watering, since it does not withstand drought. Therefore, it may be necessary to water up to 3 times a week during the driest and warmest season of the year, and up to 2 times a week in winter. Use rainwater, or if you cannot get acidic water (you can add the liquid of half a lemon to 1l of water to acidify it), or water for human consumption.

Earth

Conclusion acid plants. This means that the substrate or the soil in which we want them to grow must be acidic; that is, it has to have a low pH.

  • Garden: the earth, in addition to being acidic, must be fertile, and capable of draining water quickly.
  • Flower pot: it is advisable to use substrate for acidic plants (on sale here).

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In addition to water and good soil, your Rhododendron will need compost from time to time. from early spring to early fall. Taking this into account, it is advisable to fertilize it with a fertilizer for acidic plants, like this one that they sell here.

Pruning

They do not require pruning, but can be pruned in early spring if you want to control its growth.

Rusticity

If we talk about its rusticity, its ideal temperature range is between 30ºC maximum and -5ºC minimum, but there are some species that support up to -18ºC, such as Rhododendron augustinii which produces bluish flowers.

What uses is it given?

The Rhododendron is a beautiful flowering shrub

Image - Flickr / ** Mary **

They are very beautiful plants that they are used only to decorate. They are commonly planted in gardens in temperate regions, but they can also be worked as bonsai.

What did you think of the Rhododendrons? Did you know them?


8 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Diana said

    Are they related to azaleas?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Yes, indeed the azalea is a Rhododendron, the species being Rhododendron simsii the most common. 🙂

  2.   J. Mª Montoya said

    I have planted a Rhododendron bush in early spring (in a town in the Sierra de Madrid, at an altitude of 1100 m), and it has developed well so far, producing numerous buds. But two weeks to this point the leaves, at first very green, have started to yellow at their tips, and I am afraid that this yellowing will continue to progress. As the weather has been very rainy, so far we have not watered it, the earth being wet and not needing water. What I have not done yet is water with acidic water (half a lemon per liter of water, as you recommend). Do you think it is convenient for me to do so, and what other advice do you give me to remedy the further progress of the yellowing? Thank you.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello J.Mª Montoya.
      Now that the symptoms of chlorosis have appeared, I recommend watering with iron sulfate, which is sold in sachets (these are normally to be diluted in 5l of water).
      It is also highly advisable to pay it with specific fertilizers for acidophilic plants, following the indications specified on the package.
      A greeting.

  3.   Jose Bisbal said

    I planted the rhododendron about 3 months ago and it started to flower about 10 days ago. The plant was left idle but practically all the flowers have already fallen. I do not know if it will bloom again until the summer if not, it seems to me a plant that does not turn out much.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Jose.
      The rhododendron has its flowering season, which is during spring. The rest of the year is kept with the leaves.
      Greetings.

  4.   Pink said

    I have an azalea that I bought very beautiful, completely full of flowers, but suddenly the leaves have started to dry up and very few are left. can I do something to save her?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello rosa.

      What water do you water it with? I ask you because azaleas suffer a lot when they are watered with waters rich in lime. It is also important that they are planted in pots that have holes, as the roots have a hard time if they are in contact with stagnant water always.

      Look in this article you have more information about these plants.

      Greetings.