Rhododendron
Rhododendron sp.
Heath family (Ericaceae)
Tree roses
The name Rhododendron comes from ancient Greek: rhodes meaning ‘rose’ and dendron meaning ‘tree’. They are shrubs of up to about 8 m high. The genus is extensive with many species and cultivars.
Rhododendron ponticum, originally from Asia, appears unkempt. When they come into flower around the end of May it is easy to understand where the ‘rose’ part of its name comes from. Large, complex and striking, the flowers set the whole bush alight with colour but it is short-lived as the inconspicuous seed capsules begin to grow after only about two weeks.
In large parks they are often used as undergrowth or to accentuate (sight)lines. In gardens smaller species are better suited and because they are evergreen they are often used as background vegetation.
Themes
Crown jewel on the Twickel Estate.
Rhododendrons are often valued in landscaping for their structure, size, flowers, and the fact that many of them are evergreen.
Rhododendron species are often used as food plants by the larvae (caterpillars) of some butterflies and moths.
Rhododendron species have long been used in traditional medicine. Animal studies and in vitro research has identified possible anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective (ability to prevent damage to the liver) activities.
Details
Description: | Tree, shrub, either evergreen or deciduous. |
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Distributions: | Asia, europe and north america |
Year cycle: | Perennial (trees and shrubs included) |
Flowering period: | April - juni |
Flower color: | White, yellow, purple, pink, red, orange |
At its best: | April - juni |