Rhododendron ponticum Rhododendron (Ericaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Rhododendron ponticum
Rhododendron
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhododendron ponticum plant species is found in W. Europe to the Caucasus and Lebanon. Naturalized in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Rhododendron. Some home gardeners know the variety as R. lancifolium. R. speciosum.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Rhododendron ponticum
Common Name:  Rhododendron
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many members have poisonous leaves. 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:  5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Rich forests under Fagus, Picea and Abies species, it is also found above the tree line[11]. Sandy and peaty soils in woods and open places in Britain[17].

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]. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[1]. Succeeds in sun or shade, the warmer the climate the more shade a plant requires[184, 200]. Hardy to about -15°c[184]. Plants are self-sowing aggressively in British woodlands and are often outcompeting native trees by filling the understorey and preventing natural regeneration. They are considered to be a pernicious weed by many environmentalists. 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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