There are more than 1,000 species of rhododendron known in the world. Most of these are shrubby plants with clusters of flowers at the tip of each plant spike, the most well known being azalea shrubs. Rhododendrons range from tree sized plants to tiny shrubs.

How many types of rhododendrons are there?

There are more than 1200 different natural species in the Genus (group) Rhododendron.

How can you tell a rhododendron Ponticum?

Key identification features of R. ponticum include leaves which are dark green and glossy above, in an oblong to elliptical shape and up to 22cm in length. The leaves grow in whorls around the stem. The wood is hard and light brown, with a rough bark.

Why is Rhododendron bad?

Its leaves are poisonous to animals. Its foliage is so thick that nothing can grow underneath. In 2014, two experienced hillwalkers had to be rescued when they became trapped in an “impenetrable forest” of rhododendrons.

What is the rarest rhododendron?

Ray Abraham, discovered the 100-year-old Rhododendron beanianum just two months after taking up his role as head gardener at Minterne House. It is thought to be the only one in existence in the country. Ray Abraham rediscoverd the rare lost plant at Minterne House near Dorchester.

Growing rhododendrons - what you need to know

Do rhododendrons poison other plants?

Rhododendron grows into huge bushes with thick vegetation that blocks out sunlight and smothers most other wild plants and trees, stopping them from growing or regenerating. Its leaves are toxic to animals and repels wildlife from earthworms to birds.

Are you supposed to deadhead rhododendron?

In general, you should deadhead the flowers once the petals are wilting by snapping off or cutting the top stalk, which supports the petals. Go down to the first ring of leaves without taking any leaves off the branch. You can do this to each flower head while the shrub is still in bloom.

What's the difference between azalea and rhododendron?

Azaleas are small to medium sized shrubs with many, smaller stems whilst rhododendrons tend to be larger plants with fewer stout stems. Everything about rhododendrons is on a more grand scale, with bigger flowers and foliage than azaleas.

Is it illegal to plant rhododendron?

The Problem. Unfortunately, rhododendron has proved to be a very invasive plant. ... Rhododendron is now listed on Schedule 9, Part 2 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981, as amended) meaning that it is a legal requirement to take due diligence to prevent the plant from spreading to the wild.

Is rhododendron a Schedule 9?

This species is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act in England and Wales therefore, it is also an offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow these species in the wild.

Is rhododendron an invasive species?

In summary: Rhododendron is an introduced species. It is highly invasive. It destroys habitats and thus whole colonies of native plants and animals disappear.

What is the most common type of rhododendron?

• Rhododendron Elviira.
• Rhododendron Blue Peter.
• Rhododendron Boule de Neige.
• Rhododendron Bow Bells.
• Rhododendron Windsong.
• Rhododendron White Angel.
• Rhododendron Nova Zembla.
• Rhododendron Black Satin.

What is the difference between rhododendron and mountain laurel?

Mountain laurel's are smooth and a paler shade of green than their top side. While Rhododendron's leaves are also a paler shade of green on the underside, in addition, they are covered in a brown fuzz. ... Rhododendron leaves are longer than Mountain laurel leaves.

What's the best rhododendron?

• The Mighty Rhododendron. ...
• Rhododendron 'Elviira' ...
• Rhododendron 'Blue Peter' ...
• Rhododendron 'Boule de Neige' ...
• Rhododendron 'Bow Bells' ...
• Rhododendron 'Windsong'

What are the worst weeds UK?

• The Japanese Knotweed. The Killer of Gardens, this plant can grown at an alarming rate and also go undetected, remaining dormant for long periods of time. ...
• Himalayan Balsam. ...
• Wolfsbane. ...
• Horsetail. ...
• Himalayan Knotweed. ...
• Hedge Bindweed. ...
• Common Ragwort. ...
• Hairy Bittercress.

What color are wild rhododendrons?

Lovely flowers range in color from pale pink to lavender or mauve, often with dark red spots. Hardy to about 0 degrees.

Is gunnera banned in UK?

A European-wide ban on the sale of this invasive non-native plant comes into force today. If you already have the plant, also known as Gunnera tinctoria, in your garden you can keep it, but you must act responsibly, as allowing Gunnera tinctoria to grow or spread outside your garden could be an offence.

What is the difference between a camellia and a rhododendron?

The one difference between the two groups is : Rhododendrons generally have much larger leaves, also Rhododendron flowers are bell shaped, while Azalea blooms are typically funnel shaped. ... Camellia's are best chosen in Autumn when they start to come into bud and flower.

What is an ornamental rhododendron?

Rhododendrons are beautiful ornamental shrubs that bring a blaze of colour and stunning flowers to the garden in early spring. ... Rhododendrons have spectacular flowers that add colour to the garden in early spring before the other plants have come into flower.

What is the hardiest rhododendron?

In the 1980s, a series called Northern Lights was introduced. These are the hardiest rhododendrons ever found or produced. They can withstand temperatures in zone 4 and even possibly zone 3. The series are hybrids and crosses of Rhododendron x kosteranum and Rhododendron prinophyllum.

Do you cut back Rhodanthemum?

Hardy and evergreen with a mounding habit. Cut back top 3 in. of growth in late summer for heavy Autumn flowering.

Do rhododendrons bloom more than once a year?

Because there are so many different types of rhododendrons and azaleas, blooming times can occur at many different points throughout the year. ... However, certain species can bloom throughout the summer into the fall and even the winter.

Do rhododendrons multiply?

Though rhododendrons can be grown from seed, you can propagate new rhododendron plants from cuttings as well. ... If you cannot take a terminal bud cutting, remove the flower bud before taking the cutting. Avoid branches near the top of the rhododendron or branches that have turned brown, as they are unlikely to root well.

Are rhododendrons bee friendly?

Rhododendron, bees and toxins

Rhododendron are insect pollinated and produce large amounts of sugar-rich nectar to 'reward' visiting pollinators. A number of species of bees are known to pollinate rhododendron, including honey bees.