Rhododendron maximum Rosebay rhododendron (Ericaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Rhododendron maximum
Rosebay rhododendron
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhododendron maximum plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia and south to Georgia and Alabama. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Rosebay rhododendron. Some home gardeners know the variety as R. procerum.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhododendron maximum
Common Name:  Rosebay rhododendron
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The leaves are poisonous[222]. Ingestion can cause convulsions and coma[222]. The pollen of many if not all species of rhododendrons is also probably toxic, being said to cause intoxication when eaten in large quantities[183].

Mature Height:  3.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Damp places along streams, edges of bogs and ponds, woods and mountain slopes to 900 metres[43, 184], often forming impenetrable thickets[235].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in a most humus-rich lime-free soils except those of a dry arid nature or those that are heavy or clayey[1]. Prefers a peaty or well-drained sandy loam[1]. Succeeds in sun or shade, the warmer the climate the more shade a plant requires[200]. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[1]. Hardy to about -30°c[184]. Succeeds in a woodland though, because of its surface-rooting habit[200], it does not compete well with surface-rooting trees[1]. Plants need to be kept well weeded, they dislike other plants growing over or into their root system, in particular they grow badly with ground cover plants, herbaceous plants and heathers[200]. Plants form a root ball and are very tolerant of being transplanted, even when quite large, so long as the root ball is kept intact[200]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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