RHODODENDRON

This very diverse genus of 800 or more species is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with the majority growing in temperate to cool regions. They range from tiny ground-hugging plants to small trees and even epiphytes, which grow in the branches of trees or on rock faces. Foliage comes in great diversity of form, and most rhododendrons bear "trusses" of up to 24 spectacular blooms, in colors ranging from white to pink, red, yellow, and mauive. Flowers are often multicolored, with spots, stripes, edging, or a single blotch of a different color in the throat of the flower. With the exception of some Vireya species and hybrids, fragrant rhododendrons are always white very pale pink. Blooms vary in sizes and shape but are generally bell-shaped, appearing from early spring to early summer. The fruit is a many-seeded capsule, normally woody wings or taillike appendages to aid transportation. Rhododendron macrophyllum is the state flower of Washington while West Virgina claims Rhododendroa maximum as its state flower.


CULTIVATION


All rhododendrons prefer acidic soils, high organic matter and freely draining. While most prefer some protection from wind, sun, and most many others tolerate these conditions. Evergreen rhododendrons may be propagated by taking up cuttings of the new growth in spring; deciduous azaleas are best grown from hardwood cuttings taken in winter.


Top Tip


Mulching is important for successful rhododendrons. In warm areas, mulch keeps soil cool; in cold areas, mulch helps the soil retain some warmth.