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Rhododendron facts for kids





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Rhododendron is a large genus of flowering plants . It includes 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae). Some are evergreen , and some are deciduous . They are found mainly in Asia .

Most of them have quite showy flowers . What gardeners know as Azalea is in fact a kind of rhododendron. Many people have rhododendrons in their garden or flower pot. It is the national flower of Nepal . One rhododendron, Rhododendron ponticum , has become an Invasive species in North America .

Rhododendron sp.

rhododendron

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Introduction

Physical description

Major species.

rhododendron

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Home and Garden Information Center - Rhododendron
Royal Horticultural Society - Rhododendron
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Rhododendron
University of Maryland Extension - Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Identify and Manage Problems
The Spruce - How to grow and care for Rhododendron
rhododendron - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
rhododendron - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
Table Of Contents

rhododendron , (genus Rhododendron ), diverse genus of about 1,000 species of woody flowering plants in the heath family ( Ericaceae ), notable for their attractive flowers and handsome foliage. Rhododendrons are native chiefly in the north temperate zone, especially in the moist acidic soil of the Himalayas and into Southeast Asia to the mountains of New Guinea . A number of species are cultivated as ornamentals.

Rhododendron , meaning “red tree,” refers to the red flowers and woody growth of some species, but rhododendrons range in habit from evergreen to deciduous and from low-growing ground covers to tall trees. Some are matlike dwarf species only 10 cm (4 inches) high, such as prostrate rhododendron ( R. prostratum ) from Yunnan , China, while others are trees, such as tree rhododendron ( R. arboreum ), bearded rhododendron ( R. barbatum ), and the critically endangered big tree rhododendron ( R. protistum variety giganteum ) from Asia , some in excess of 12 metres (40 feet) high. Leaves are thick and leathery and are evergreen in all but the azalea species, some of which are deciduous. Flowers may be scented or not and are usually tubular to funnel-shaped and occur in a wide range of colours—white, yellow, pink , scarlet, purple, and blue.

The first species available for garden use, in the mid-1600s, was the hairy alpine rose ( R. hirsutum ), which may grow as high as 1 metre (3 feet). Large-leaved species (and their hybrids) from the Himalayan region have long been popular ornamental plants in temperate areas without extreme winter cold. A number of species known as azaleas were once placed in their own genus and many are cultivated for their attractive flowers.

Three species known as Labrador tea were also considered taxonomically distinct and were formerly placed in the genus Ledum . Bog Labrador tea ( R. groenlandicum ), marsh Labrador tea ( R. tomentosum ), and western Labrador tea ( R. columbianum ) are native to North America and have been used by native peoples to make tea .

The catawba rhododendron, or mountain rosebay ( R. catawbiense ), of the southeastern United States , is plentiful and a great flowering attraction in June in Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The hardy catawba hybrids are derived from R. catawbiense and allied species. The great laurel rhododendron , or rosebay rhododendron ( R. maximum ), overlapping in distribution with the catawba, ranges more northeasterly; it is often grown as an ornamental. Both can be small trees, up to 6 metres (20 feet) or taller. Rhodora ( R. canadense ), from northeastern North America, bears rosy-purple flowers before the leaves unfurl.

In the British Isles , common rhododendron ( R. ponticum ) has become an invasive species . Introduced in the late 18th century from Spain, Portugal, and, to a lesser extent, Turkey , this rhododendron forms impenetrable thickets in which virtually nothing else grows.

Insect stands on pink rhododendron petal

The secret world of rhododendrons: a plant more ancient than the Himalayas that inspired fables and stories around the world

Senior Lecturer in Plant Evolutionary Biology, The University of Edinburgh

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Richard Milne does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

The University of Edinburgh provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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If you have a rhododendron in your garden or pass one by on an afternoon walk perhaps you think of it as just a colourful and pretty shrub. You may have heard that they come from the Himalayas, and that they are invasive plants that destroy ecosystems.

Neither of these is quite accurate. Rhododendrons have an ancient legacy older than the Himalayas and a history intertwined with poison, medicine and folklore.

Rhododendrons may be deciduous or evergreen, anything from a tree to a creeping dwarf shrub, with leaves a centimetre to a foot long, and flowers any shade of white, yellow, orange, pink, red or purple. There are around 1000 species in total, and modern DNA-based work confirms that all “azaleas” are in fact species of rhododendron.

Rhododendron fossil pollen is easy to identify, as are rhododendron seeds, and some of these fossils are 60 million years old . By contrast, the Himalayas as we know them only began forming 50 million years ago, when India collided with Asia . So while around half of all rhododendron species are endemic to the Himalayas (meaning they grow nowhere else), the genus cannot have originated there.

Over 60 million years rhododendrons spread around the northern hemisphere, from boreal woods and high mountains, to tropical rainforests, where many species perch on high branches as epiphytes (a plant or plant-like organism that grows on the surface of another plant). They reached North America, Japan, parts of Europe, most of Asia and even Australia. It was native in the British Isles for a while, until the later ice ages drove it out.

But the mountain ranges and plunging valleys of the Himalayas created a dizzying diversity of rhododendrons as neighbouring populations were isolated from each other. Tourists flock to see the colourful blooms found there, especially in Yunnan and the Baili areas of China.

Rhododendron pollen has microscopic tentacles that make it sticky. Pollen shoots out from the stamens like strings from a party popper when triggered by the buzzing of an insect, and drapes itself across the body of the pollinator.

Yellow flower with long sticky tendrils of pollen.

Detractors might say rhododendrons are invasive. But that only applies to one species out of over a thousand – the nefarious Rhododendrom ponticum . If left uncontrolled, this particular rhododendron will eventually dominate the habitat to the virtual exclusion of all other plant life . Other species do not have this problem.

Folklore remedies with risks

There is also far more to humanity’s relationship with rhododendrons than horticultural beauty, and the never-ending battle against Rhodendrom ponticums in the wetter parts of Britain. Rhododendrons have been used to treat everything from colds and diarrhoea through leprosy and STDs, to flagging sex drive and diseases of pigs. Few of these have been tested scientifically.

In Labrador, north-east Canada, infusions of the local rhododendron are commonly drunk. People claim it has many health benefits, but the evidence is limited .

But like so many medicinal plants, some rhododendrons are poisonous, and not to be consumed by the unwary. Some species, including the common yellow azalea, contain toxins in their nectar , which can cause sickness and bad “trips” in humans.

Many people think of plants as nice-looking greens. Essential for clean air, yes, but simple organisms. A step change in research is shaking up the way scientists think about plants: they are far more complex and more like us than you might imagine. This blossoming field of science is too delightful to do it justice in one or two stories. This article is part of a series, Plant Curious , exploring scientific studies that challenge the way you view plantlife.

Cause of ‘mad honey disease’

Eating raw honey in some places in the world including Turkey can cause “mad honey disease” . This can happen when bees gather nectar from rhododendron flowers in certain places and times of year.

The symptoms of mad honey disease were first recorded around 400BC by the Greek historian Xenophon. According to legend, during a war in 67BC, an army of 1000 Roman soldiers in Turkey were rendered insensible after consuming the pots of honey locals had left out for them, and consequently were slaughtered by the followers of King Mithradates . Much more recently, in some time around 2010, there was a case in Scotland, when a photographer licked two tiny drips of nectar from his hand in a botanic garden . Like most victims, he recovered within a few hours.

Rhododendrons are also poisonous to farm animals which will suffer paralysis and slowly die if they eat the leaves, unless given the antidote, black tea .

A Chinese story tells of how a herd of cattle became drunk after witnessing the beauty of glorious red rhododendron flowers in the Baili scenic area . But the story probably was based on the effect the plants had on cows eating the unfamiliar shrub. Fortunately, animals including sheep can learn not to eat it, as has happened in Scotland .

Botanical fables

The numbers of rhododendrons in western China is probably why they feature in so many myths and legends. The stories are often tragic. In one story doomed lovers are transformed into Dujuan birds who fly around crying tears of blood, that turn into the plants . Dujuan are cuckoo-like birds which pollinate red rhododendrons, and are strongly linked to them in folklore.

In the Dongba religion of the Naxi people, who live in the Himalayan foothills of the Yunnan province, is dramatic. They believe three huge rhododendrons guard the entrance to the world of the dead . They also believe swords and armour made from the plants played key roles in the epic battles that shaped their world.

In the west, rhododendrons have also featured in stories. “Massed red rhododendrons” are repeatedly used to evoke the spirit of the title character in Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 Gothic thriller Rebecca .

So next time you walk past a rhododendron, perhaps you’ll think of them differently.

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Rhododendron Facts

Rhododendron is a flowering plant that belongs to the heath family. There are more than 1000 species of rhododendron that are native to Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Rhododendron grows in cool climate, on slightly acidic, well-drained soil. It can be found in the mountains, coniferous and temperate forests and tropical rainforests. Rhododendron is cultivated because of its beautiful, fragrant flowers and ornamental leaves. At the moment, there are around 2800 new varieties of rhododendron that are available worldwide.


Rhododendron grows in the form of bush or small tree. It can grow from 3.9 inches to 98 feet in height, depending on the variety.
Most types of rhododendron have fibrous root. Some types grow as epiphytes, or "air-plants" with aerial roots. They grow by supporting on the other plants and by collecting moisture and nutrients directly from the air.
Some types of rhododendron have evergreen leaves, while others have deciduous leaves. Evergreen types usually have large, paddle-shaped leaves. Deciduous plants often have small, elliptical leaves. Bottom side of leaves of some species of rhododendron is covered with hairs or scales.
Rhododendron produces funnel-, bell-, trumpet-shaped or tubular flowers. Color of the flowers can be white, pastel, orange, golden, red, pink or purple. Most types of rhododendron produce fragrant flowers.
Rhododendron is also known as "rose tree" because it often produces flowers in trusses, just like some types of roses ("rodon" is Greek word for "rose" and "dendron" for "tree").
Fruit of rhododendron is dry capsule. Ripe fruit usually splits lengthwise to release seed.
Rhododendron is often used in landscaping or for decoration of woodland gardens due to ornamental morphology of its leaves and flowers. Some types of rhododendron are planted as hedges.
Pollen and nectar of some species of rhododendron contain toxic substance called grayanotoxin that can induce poisoning of humans and animals. Horses are especially sensitive to this type of toxin. Signs of intoxication include abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, involuntary muscle contractions and coma that can lead to death.
Honey produced from nectar of certain types of rhododendron has hallucinogenic and laxative effects. Ancient Greeks and Romans were familiar with side effects of honey made of rhododendron.
Rhododendron arboreum is a national flower of Nepal.
Rhododendron is consumed in the form of pickled flowers and juice in Nepal.
Rhododendron maximum is the state flower of West Virginia. This species of rhododendron is imprinted on the flag of West Virginia.
Labrador tea is herbal tea made of three closely related species of rhododendron.
Medical studies showed that flavonoids, phenolic compounds and saponins extracted from rhododendron have anti-inflammatory (prevent inflammation) properties. They also act beneficially on the function of liver.
Rhododendron can survive up to 100 years under optimal environmental conditions.

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Rhododendrons

About Rhododendrons

Rhododendron Species
Washington State Flower
Hybrid Rhododendrons

There are more than 1200 different natural species in the Genus (group) Rhododendron. These wild types, called species (as differentiated from hybrids), are native to the temperate regions of Asia, North America, and Europe, as well as to the tropical regions of southeast Asia and northern Australia. No Rhododendron species are indigenous to Africa or South America. By far, the largest number of wild species rhododendrons are native to Asia. Wild rhododendrons are found from sea level to 16,000 feet in elevation , and they occur in a variety of habitats, including alpine regions, coniferous and broadleaved woodlands, temperate rain forests, and even tropical jungle conditions.

Rhododendrons exhibit an enormous diversity of size and shape , from prostrate ground covers growing no more than a few inches high to trees more than 100 feet tall. Between the prostrate alpine forms and large trees are a variety of shrubby forms in all shapes and sizes. Leaf sizes range from less than 1/4 inch to almost three feet long, and they also appear in a variety of shapes : rounded, lance-shaped, and elliptical. The flowers may be white, red, pink, yellow, almost blue, purple, magenta, orange, and shades and mixtures of most of these colors. There is diversity, too, in bark texture and color. And while March, April, and May represent the peak months for flowering, some rhododendrons can flower as early as January in an ideal climate and others as late as October. The actual beauty of many is supreme -in flower, in decorative new growth, in foliage, in bark, in structure, and even in fall color, the latter is noted particularly with deciduous azaleas.

Rhododendrons, not surprising ly, are among the most popular shrubs that people grow where conditions are suitable. They grow best in cli mates that avoid extremes in temperature and have substantial rainfall. They also require a slightly acid soil. Hence, the western coast of Britain and Scotland and the coastal Pacific Northwest of North America have close to ideal conditions. In the Pacific Northwest the rhododendron is ubiquitous in both public and private gardens. Indeed, because the winter weather west of the Cascade Mountains is relatively mild, the blooming season is often quite long at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, where flowers of a few species often begin to appear in early January. The majority bloom from March through May with a smaller number of species flowering in June and July. One of the very last species to flower is called Rhododendron faithiae and is especially attractive with its large white trumpet flowers in late September which are fragrant! The last azalea to flower is Rhododendron prunifolium , with salmon-red flowers opening in late June or July.

The state flower of Washington is the Pacific rhododendron, R. macrophyllum, which means “rose tree with large leaves.” Rhododendron macrophyllum grows in the wild from British Columbia, Canada to central coastal California. Its flowers are typically various shades of pink and mauve, with the occasional white.

Most of the rhododendrons people grow are hybrids, rather than natural species. Rhododendron species as found in the wild grow, flower, are pollinated, and set seed. The seedlings are usually pollinated by the plants of the same species and generally look similar to the parent plants, though there may be small, and sometimes considerable, variations among them. But they remain the same species. For example, a plant belonging to the species R. macrophyllum is pollinated by another plant of R. macrophyllum . The resulting offspring are also R. macrophyllum , though the shade of color, for instance, may be different from that of either parent.

Hybrid rhododendrons, on the other hand, are plants resulting from the cross-pollination of one species with a different species or hybrid. When this happens the offspring may look quite different from either parent. For example, when pollen is taken from a plant of R. macrophyllum, (Pacific rhododendron) and used to pollinate another species of rhododendron , such as R. catawbiense , the Catawba rhododendron native to the east coast of the United States, the seedlings will have characteristics of both parents mixed together. Sometimes when two or more species occur in near proximity to each other in the wild and flower at the same time, nature will do the cross pollinating to produce what are called ‘natural’ hybrids. But people have been artificially creating hybrid rhododendrons for many years, by hand pollinating one species or hybrid with the pollen from another, and there are now tens of thousands of hybrid rhododendrons. Instead of the Latin names given to natural species, hybrids are named in the vernacular, such as ‘The Honorable Jean Marie de Montague,’ ‘Pink Pearl,’ ‘Cynthia,’ ‘Unique,’ and ‘Purple Splendour.’ The purposes for hybridizing can be various: larger flowers, different forms with different colors, larger flowers that are more cold or heat tolerant, etc. Many are very beautiful, but most appear, to species enthusiasts at least, to lack the elegance and natural beauty of the species themselves.

Azaleas are also rhododendrons. The group of plants commonly called azaleas are actually classified by botanists as belonging to the Genus Rhododendron and the name for each type of azalea has both the word “ Rhododendron ” and the species name, just as with other rhododendrons. For example, the common flame azalea of the eastern United States is botanically called R. calendulaceum . Azaleas can be either deciduous (meaning they lose their leaves in the autumn), evergreen , or semi-evergreen. Semi-evergreen means that the azalea may lose some but retain most of their leaves throughout the winter. (It should be noted, in fact, that other rhododendrons can also fall into these different categories; R. mucronulatum , for instance, is completely deciduous, but this is a rare exception among them.) Deciduous azaleas are native to the eastern and western areas of the United States and Canada, Japan, China, and scattered locations across eastern Europe. Evergreen azaleas are found only in central-eastern and southeastern Asia. Hybridizers have made innumerable crosses among the azaleas, as they have among other rhododendrons, and there are thousands of hybrids . Azaleas can be more heat tolerant than many other rhododendrons and are particularly popular in hot places, like the American southeast and the cities of Japan.

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Rhododendron

Rhododendrons, Azaleas

Genus:
Family:	Ericaceae
Type:	Shrubs and trees
Transplant:	Easily transplanted
Disease issues:	Many, some serious
Pollination:	Insects

Rhododendron (from the Greek: rhodos , "rose", and dendron , "tree") is a genus of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. It is a large genus with over 800 species. and most have showy flower displays. It includes the plants known to gardeners as azalea, which was once treated as a separate genus.

Species of Rhododendron are widely distributed, occurring throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere except for dry areas, and extending into the Southern Hemisphere in southeastern Asia and northern Australasia. The highest species diversity is found in the Sino-Himalayan mountains from central Nepal and Sikkim east to Yunnan and Sichuan, with other significant areas of diversity in the mountains of Indo-China, Korea, Japan and Taiwaan. In addition, there are a significant number of tropical rhododendron species from southeast Asia to northern Australia, with 55 known species in Borneo and 164 in New Guinea [ 1 ] . Relatively fewer species occur in North America and Europe. Rhododendrons have not been found in South America or Africa.

Description

The species are shrubs and small to (rarely) large trees, the smallest species growing to 10-20 cm tall, and the largest, R. arboreum , reported to 50 m tall. The leaves are spirally arranged; leaf size can range from 1-2 cm to over 50 cm, exceptionally 100 cm in R. sinogrande . They may be either evergreen or deciduous. In some species the underside of the leaves are covered with scales (lepidote) or hairs (indumentum). ; some of the best known species are noted for their many clusters of large trumpet-shaped flowers. There are however alpine species with small flowers or with small leaves.

Growing conditions

Most species require rich, moist, but well drained soils, sun to shade. Like other ericaceous plants, most rhododendrons prefer acid soils with a pH of roughly 4.5-5.5. Rhododendrons have fiberous roots and prefer well-drained soils high in organic material. In areas with poorly-drained or alkaline soils, rhododendrons are often grown in raised beds using mediums such as composted pine bark. [ 2 ] . Mulching and careful watering are important, especially before the plant is established.

Rhododendrons are extensively hybridized in cultivation, and natural hybrids often occur in areas where species ranges overlap. There are over 28,000 cultivars of Rhododendron in the International Rhododendron Registry held by the Royal Horticultural Society. Most have been bred for their flowers, but a few are of garden interest because of ornamental leaves and some for ornamental stems.

Some species (e.g. Rhododendron ponticum in the United Kingdom) are invasive as introduced plants, spreading in woodland areas replacing the natural understory. R. ponticum is difficult to eradicate, as its roots can make new shoots.

The species are organised by subgenus, section, subsection and series. These are currently divided into four large and four small subgenera:

Subgenus Rhododendron L.: small leaf or lepidotes (with scales on the underside of their leaves); several hundred species, type: Rhododendron ferrugineum . The tropical rhododendrons (sect. Vireya , about 300 species) are usually included as a section in this subgenus, but sometimes split off as a ninth subgenus.
Subgenus Hymenanthes (Blume) K.Koch: large leaf or elepidotes (without scales on the underside of their leaves); about 140 species, type: Rhododendron degronianum .
Subgenus Pentanthera G.Don: deciduous azaleas; about 25 species, type Rhododendron luteum .
Subgenus Tsutsusi : about 15 species; type Rhododendron indicum .
Subgenus Azaleastrum Planch.: five species; type Rhododendron ovatum .
Subgenus Candidastrum (Sleumer) Philipson & Philipson: one species; Rhododendron albiflorum .
Subgenus Mumeazalea : one species, Rhododendron semibarbatum .
Subgenus Therorhodion : one species, Rhododendron camtschaticum .

Recent genetic investigations have caused an ongoing realignment of species and groups within the genus, and also have caused the old genus Ledum to be reclassified within subgenus Rhododendron . Further realignment within the subgenera is currently proposed [ 3 ] , including the merging of subgenus Hymenanthes into subgenus Pentanthera . Most species prefer acidic soil conditions; some tropical Vireyas, and other species, grow as epiphytes.

Rhododendron atlanticum
Rhododendron canadense
Rhododendron catawbiense
Rhododendron ferrugineum
Rhododendron groenlandicum
Rhododendron luteum
Rhododendron macrophyllum
Rhododendron maximum
Rhododendron moulmainense
Rhododendron occidentale
Rhododendron ponticum
Rhododendron schlippenbachii
Rhododendron spinuliferum
Rhododendron tomentosum

Both species and hybrid rhododendrons (including azaleas) are used extensively as ornamental plants in landscaping in many parts of the world, and many species and cultivars are grown commercially for the nursery trade. Rhododendrons are often valued in landscaping for their structure, size, flowers, and the fact that many of them are evergreen [ 4 ] . Azaleas are frequently used around foundations and occasionally as hedges, and many larger-leafed rhododendrons lend themselves well to more informal plantings and woodland gardens, or as specimen plants. In some areas, larger rhododendrons can be pruned to encourage more tree-like form, with some species such as R. arboreum and R. falconeri eventually growing to 10-15 m or more tall [ 4 ] .

Maintenance

Propagation.

Some species are poisonous to grazing animals. Some Rhododendrons have a toxin called grayanotoxin in their pollen and nectar. People have been known to become ill from eating honey made by bees feeding on rhododendron and azalea flowers. Xenophon described the odd behavior of Greek soldiers after having consumed honey in a village surrounded by rhododendrons. Later, it was recognized that honey resulting from these plants have a slightly hallucinogenic and laxative effect. The suspect rhododendrons are Rhododendron ponticum and Rhododendron luteum (formerly Azalea pontica ), both found in northern Asia Minor. Eleven similar cases have been documented in Istanbul, Turkey during the 1980s [ 5 ] .

Pests and diseases

There are a number of insects that either target rhododendrons or opportunistically will attack them. Rhododendron borers and various weevils are major pests of rhododendrons, and many caterpillars will attack rhododendrons. Major diseases include Phytophthora root rot, stem and twig fungal diebacks; Ohio State University Extension provides information on maintaining health of rhododendrons .

Rhododendron species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species.

Agrobacterium tumeifasciens

Powdery Mildew

Microsphaera alni
Cercospora rhododendri
Coleotrichum
Corynospora cassiicola
Cylindrocladium scoparium
Coryneum rhododendri
Coryneum triseptatum
Cryptostictis mariae
Diplodinia rhododendri
Gloeosporeum rhododendri
Gloeosporium ferrugineum
Hendersonis concentrica
Laestadia rhodorae
Lophodermium melemeucum
Lophodermium rhododendri
Melasmia rhododendri
Monochaetia
Mycosphaerella
Pestalotia macrotricha
Phyllosticta maxima
Physalospora rhododendri
Venturia rhododendri

Leaf Scorch

Septoria azaleae

Leaf Blotch

Botrytis cinerea
Exobasidium vaccinii

Petal Blights

Ovulinia azaleae:
Pycnostysanus azaleae:
Briosia azaleae
Monilinia azaleae

Stem Cankers

Cylindrocladium
Botryosphaeria dothidea

Damping Off

Pellicularia filamentosa
Armillaria mellea
Chrysomyxa ledi
Chrysomyxa piperiana
Chrisomyxa roanensis
Pucciniastrum vaccinii
Phytophthora cinnamomi
Phytophthora ramorum
Phytophthora cryptogea
Phytophthora cactorum
Phytophthora citricola
Aphelenchoides fragariae
Ditylenchus
Trichodorus christiei
Tylenchorhynus claytoni

Loss of vigor: Highly susceptible to Juglone poisoning (from Black Walnuts)

Chlorosis: Caused by insufficient Iron available in the soil, almost always a result of high pH.

Boron Toxicity:Too much Boron in soil solution

Dry Bud or Bud Drop (Caused by drought during bud formation)

Rhododendron Aphid: Macrosiphum rhododendri
Aphid: Illinoia rhododendri
Oleander Scale: Aspidiotus nerii
Indian Wax Scale: Ceroplastes ceriferus
Azalea Bark Scale: Eriococcus azaleae
Greedy Scale: Hemiberlesia rapax
Common Falsepit Scale: Lecanodiaspis prosopidisv
Cottony Camellia Scale, Taxus Scale: Pulvinaria floccifera
Peony Scale: Pseudaonidia paeoniae
Putnam’s Scale (Rhododendron Scale): Diaspidiotus ancylus
Townsend Scale: Abgrallaspis townsendi
Rhododendron Leafhopper, Redbanded Leafhopper: Graphocephala fennahi (Graphocephala coccinea)
Candystriped Leafhopper: Graphocephala coccinea
Rhododendron Whitefly: Dialeurodes chittendeni
Azalea Whitefly: Pealius azaleae
Greenhouse Whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum
Taxus Mealybug: Dysmicoccus wistariae
Citrophilus Mealybug: Pseudococcus fragilis
Striped Mealybug: Ferrisia virgata
Fourlined Plant Bug: Poecilocapsus lineatus
Azalea Lacebug: Stephanitis pyroides
Rhododendron Lacebug: Stephanitis rhododendri
Thrips: Heliothrips haemorroidalis
Tobacco Thrips: Thrips tabaci
Greenhouse Thrips: Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis
Rhododendron Gall Midge: Clinodiplosis rhododendri
Rhododendron Tip Midge: Giardomyia rhododendri
Pitted Ambrosia Beetle: Corthylus punctatissimus
Azalea Stem Borer: Oberea myops
Asiatic Garden Beetle: Maladerma castanea
Japanese Beetle: Popillia japonica
Cranberry Rootworm: Rhabdopterus picipes
Redheaded Flea Beetle: Systena frontalis
Twobanded Japanese Weevil: Callirhopalus bifasciatus
Strawberry Weevil: Otiorhynchus ovatus
Black Vine Weevil: Otiorhynchus sulcatus
Claycolored Weevil: Oriorhynchus singularis

Caterpillars

Luna Moth: Actias luna
Azalea Leaf Tier: Archips argyrospilus
Io Moth: Automeris io
Obliquebanded Leafroller: Choristoneura rosaceana
Azalea Leafminer: Gracilaria azaleella
Puss Caterpillar: Megalopyge opercularis
Rhododendron Borer: Synanthedon rhododendri
Variegated Leafroller: Platynota flavedana
Azalea Sawfly: Amauronematus azaleae
Azalea Sawfly: Nematus lipvskyi
Giant Hornet: Vespa crabro germana
Southern Red Mite: Oligonychus illicis
Broad Mite: Polyphagotarsonemus latus
Cyclamen Mite: Steneotarsonemus pallidus
Twospotted Spider Mite: Tetranychus urticae
Privet Mite: Brevipalpus obovatus

has media related to:

Cox, P. A. & Kenneth, N. E. The Encyclopedia of Rhododendron Species . 1997. Glendoick Publishing. ISBN 0-9530533-0-X .
Davidian, H. H. The Rhododendron Species . In four volumes from 1982-1995. Timber Press. ISBN 0-917304-71-3 , ISBN 0-88192-109-2 , ISBN 0-88192-168-8 , ISBN 0-88192-311-7 .
Staff of the L. H. Bailey Hortorium (1976). Hortus Third: A Concise Dictionary of Plants Cultivated in the United States and Canada . Cornell University Press. pp. 949–965. {{ cite book }} : Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= ( help )
Pirone, Pascal P. (1978). Diseases & Pests of Ornamental Plants (Fifth Edition ed.). John Wiley & Sons, New York. pp. 448–457. {{ cite book }} : |edition= has extra text ( help ) ; Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= ( help )
Cranshaw, Whitney (2004). Garden Insects of North America: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs . Princeton University Press. p. 617. {{ cite book }} : Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= ( help )
Pippa Greenwood, Andrew Halstead, A.R. Chase, Daniel Gilrein (2000). American Horticultural Society Pests & Diseases: The Complete Guide to Preventing, Identifying, and Treating Plant Problems (First Edition ed.). Dorling Kindersley (DK) Publishing, inc. p. 196. {{ cite book }} : |edition= has extra text ( help ) ; Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= ( help ) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ( link )
↑ Argent, G. Rhododendrons of subgenus Vireya . 2006. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 1-902896-61-0
↑ Soil information for planting rhododendrons
↑ Goetsch, L. A., Eckert, A. J. & Hall, B. D. (2005). The molecular systematics of Rhododendron (Ericaceae): A Phylogeny based upon RPB2 gene sequences . Sys. Bot . 30(3): 616-626.
↑ a b Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening . Macmillan
↑ Nurhayat Sütlüpmar, Afife Mat and Yurdagül Satganoglu Poisoning by toxic honey in Turkey . Archives of Toxicology. Volume 67, Number 2, pages 148-150, February, 1993

Pages using ISBN magic links
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Book:Horticulture/Finder/Taxonomy/Genera

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Rhododendron

Rhododendron (azalea)

Rhododendrons are popular woody shrubs grown for their spectacular spring flowers. Within this genus, taxonomists estimate that there are between 800 and 1,000 species. They are native to North America, Europe, Australasia, Asia, southwest China, Tibet, Myanmar, northern India, and New Guinea. In their natural habitats, the plants vary in size from creeping at ground level to 80 feet tall. The genus comprises five main groups: large-leaf (elepidote) evergreen rhododendrons, small-leaf (epidote) evergreen rhododendrons, Vireya rhododendrons, evergreen azaleas, and deciduous azaleas.

Large-leaf (elepidote) evergreen rhododendrons are typically low, mound-forming shrubs. This group includes the so-called “ironclad” plants bred from R. catawbiense , R. ponticum and R. caucasicum, as well as Fortunei and Yakushimanum hybrids. Small-leaf (lepidote) rhododendrons include some of the hardiest of all evergreen plants in the genus. Vireya rhododendrons are evergreen but frost tender, generally grown in a greenhouse. Deciduous and evergreen azaleas are small to medium-leaved shrubs that bear a profusion of flower trusses. They are commonly known to gardeners as azaleas. Examples of deciduous azaleas are Ghent hybrids, Knap Hill-Exbury hybrids, Mollis hybrids, and Occidental hybrids. Evergreen azaleas include Glenn Dale hybrids, Indica hybrids, Kaempferi hybrids, Robin Hill hybrids, and several others.

Ornamental Features

There are several reasons to plant these early blooming shrubs. They offer an assortment of cheery flowers in spring, fall color on deciduous plants, and winter interest on evergreen types. Northern lights azalea produces bright, fragrant flowers in shades of orchid, orange, white, yellow, or rose on plants that have a nice compact shape, reliable winter hardiness, and bronze-orange fall color. They brighten a woodland garden often before the trees fully leaf out.

Cultivation

Select a spot that offers dappled shade. Avoid full sun and south- or west-facing sites, where winter winds can dry evergreen leaves. The site should have well-drained, acidic soil amended with large amounts of leafy, humus-rich organic matter. Excellent drainage is crucial for rhododendrons, especially in areas with heavy clay soils, such as northeastern Illinois. The roots require an exceptional amount of air in the soil, so it should be loose, porous, and organically rich, with a pH range of about 4.5 to 6.0. A standard planting mix consists of equal parts of good top soil, peat moss, sand, and shredded bark. A soil test can help determine the pH of your soil before you plant. If the soil acidity is not in the preferred range, add elemental sulfur and/or an iron chelate to lower the pH. Find these products and soil test kits at garden centers or online.

When the plants are finished flowering, gently pull off the spent blossoms. New shoots form at the base of the flower trusses. To increase flower production for the following year, pinch off one-half of this new green growth when it is at least 1-inch long. If plants require shaping, prune right after flowering.

There are thousands of hybrids! Compact Korean azalea ( Rhododendron yedoense var. poukhanense 'Compacta') is hardy to Zone 4, as is Orchid Lights rhododendron. Molly Fordham blooms in early April. P.J.M. rhododendrons are among the most reliable and commonly sold rhododendrons in the Chicago area. Visit in April and May, and you’ll find dozens of cultivars bursting with color at the Garden.

Ecological Benefits

Flowers attract butterflies and bees.

Companion Plants

Plant partners include mountain laurel ( Kalmia latifolia ), Japanese andromeda ( Pieris japonica ), summersweet ( Clethra alnifolia ), hydrangea macrophylla, Fothergilla, hostas, ferns, and spring-blooming bulbs.

Here’s where you can find rhododendrons at the Garden.

Nepali Class

Rhododendron, lali gurash, national flower of nepal.

NOTE: If you want the PDF version of the 5-pages-long booklet (updated), please write us by sending the request in our About Us page .

The National flower of Nepal, Lali Gurash is one of the most beautiful species of Rhododendron. Found in hilly region of Nepal, it paints the hill red during the blooming season.

Apart from it’s beauty, the flower is edible and can be made into delicious juice, wine and pickles.

Rhododendron- lali gurash nepaliclass_Page_1

Apart from being the national flower of Nepal, the flower is also used as National emblems in parts of world like USA, India, and Pakistan.

Rhododendron- lali gurash nepaliclass_Page_2

The flower is also used in the Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500 currency notes of Nepal:

Rhododendron- lali gurash nepaliclass_Page_3

There are 1,024 species of Rhododendron in the heath family (Ericaceae). They are either evergreen or deciduous, and are found mainly in Asia. It is also widespread throughout the highlands of the Appalachian Mountains of North America. Azaleas make up two subgenera of Rhododendron. They are distinguished from “true” rhododendrons by having only five anthers per flower.

There are forests of lali gurash in high hills and mountains.

While Red-Gursah (Lali Gurans) is the National flower, there are rhododendrons of other colours. White ones are called Seto Gurns. Lali Gurans (Red Rhododendron) found in abundance but, Seto Gurans (White Rhododendron) is not as commonly found. The white versions are usually located in high himalayas and red versions are usually found on foothills. There are also pink varieties – a mix of white and red colours in different shades.

Upadte History

2014, August – Original post 2018, August – Photo and text added

Rhododendron Flowers: How to Plant, Grow and Care

Sharing is caring!

Rhododendrons are famous with their long-lasting and gorgeous flowers that are enjoyed by the eye for three seasons in a row – spring , summer , and autumn .

However, very often, they are classified as difficult to grow and care. If you want to have rhododendrons in your garden but you don’t know whether you are capable of taking care of them, this guide is the perfect solution. Let’s explore!

Rhododendron Name Origin and Meaning

Rhododendron’s name comes from Greek language and means ‘the tree of roses’ ( rhodo is rose in Greek and dendron means tree). Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal and is called in different ways in local dialects (1).

History, Evolution and Use

The flower has been introduced to Europe from Asia in the mid 1700s (5).

Originally, it has been found in North and Central India and, nowadays, covers the majority of hills on 1200-1400 m height hills in the Himalayas (1).

The flower has been very popular in the area for the processed juice from its flowers which is known as rhodojuice (a.k.a. sharbat ). Many parts of the plant have also been used in medicine in the past for treatment of a wide variety of diseases and medical problems. Rhododendron juice is still used in some regions for improving blood circulation and relieving hypertension (6).

For centuries, rhododendrons have been perceived as religious symbols and sacred flowers and have been used in temples for ornaments and ceremonies’ decorations.

The wood material extracted from the tree is nowadays used for making tool handles, boxes etc…

Rhododendron Flower Facts and Varieties

Rhododendron is an extremely diverse group of flowers and plants which comes in a variety of shapes, size and colour. The most common representatives which are grown in Europe, USA and Asia are formed as trees which bloom from March to November.

Scientists state that the florets of rhododendrons are some of the most varying in terms of form and structure and this makes it a more challenging flower to grow, as every type has its own preferences of light, humidity, temperature, soil and watering (2).

Still, if you follow the general advice applicable to caring for Rhododendron gene plants, you are expected to enjoy these gorgeous blossoms for the majority of the year round.

Rhododendron trees can grow to 14 m in height and 2.4 in girth. The flowers’ colour varies significantly from deep red to pink, purple, yellow and white. The trees can have up to 20 blossoms in one blooming ball.

The leaves of the tree are big and leathery and can survive moderate winter conditions without falling. They usually appear in whorls about the branch and is usually in the size range of 1-5 inches.

In general, rhododendron trees prefer climates with no extreme conditions (e.g. too hot or too cold weather). In regions where winters are severe, it is advisable to keep the rhododendron tree indoor or wrap them for protection when temperatures fall below 5°C.

Growing and Caring

As already mentioned, rhododendron trees prefer climate which is not extreme (too cold or too hot). In such regions, these trees can be planted throughout the whole year. In colder regions, it is preferable to plant the flowers in early spring or early fall.

In warmer regions, it is advised to plant rhododendrons in early fall in order to allow the root system to develop well without being exposed to severe heat (3).

This flower prefers light to medium soil. Rhododendrons also like more acid and well-drained soils with allowed access of oxygen to the roots, preventing rotten.

It is also very important to not plant the flower too deep and rather leave the top of the root ball above the soil or just below its upper layer. Planting rhododendrons too deep can lead to their death or under-performance in terms of blooming (1).

Rhododendrons can be planted in a semi-shady or no shady area but will need protection from the sun if it is exposed to very strong sunlight for a long time of the day. If you are planting them in a garden, it is recommended to put plants on a distance of 2 to 5 feet from each other (1).

Rhododendrons like fertilizers, but use them only in the spring to prevent issues from over-use and combined effect with hot weather, which can lead to burning the flower and yellowing foliage (1).

Warning : Rhododendrons are very toxic and contain grayanotoxin glycosides in all parts of the plant. Direct contact with these toxins can cause some neurologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular dysfunctions and issues.This is why it is advisable to wear gloves when planting or re-planting the flower (5, 7, 8).

Did you know?

Rhododendrons are also used for extraction of essential oils and for wine production! The juice of the flowers is brewed to make wine which is also believed to help solve medical problems, like diarrhea and dysentery (4, 6).

There is no specific recipe for preparing Rhododendron wine, so if you have tried to produce a flower wine before, you can try the same approach for Rhododendron too. It sounds delicious, don’t you think?

Rhododendron Flower Meaning and Symbolism
Azalea bush care

(1) Srivastava, P. (2012) Rhododendron Arboreum: An Overview. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science . Vol. 2 (1), pp. 158-162.

(2) Berry, E., Geeta, R. (2019) Floral Morphology of Rhododendron and Its Relation With Pollinators . [online] Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330347231_Floral_Morphology_of_Rhododendron_and_its_Relation_with_Pollinators

(3) Bharracharyya, D., Sanjappa, M. (2008) Rhododendron Habitats in India . [online] Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286931541_Rhododendron_Habitats_in_India

(4) Doss, R., Hatheway, W., Hrutfiord, B. (1986) Composition of Essential Oils of Some Lipidote Rhododendrons. Phytochemistry . Vol. 25 (7), pp. 1637-1640.

(5) Furbee, B. (2009) Neurotoxic Plants . In: Clinical Neurotoxicology, pp. 523-542. Elsevier Inc.

(6) Garg, N. (2017) Technology for the Production of Agricultural Wines . In: Science and Technology of Fruit Wine Production, pp. 463-486. Elsevier Inc.

(7) Richardson, J., Little, S. (2012) Toxicology . In: The CAT. Elsevier Inc.

(8) Popescu, R., Kopp, B. (2013) The Genus Rhododendron: An Ethnopharmacological and Toxicological Review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology .

Photo credit: Capri23auto&RitaE/pixabay.com

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Home » Shrubs » Azalea

Rhododendron Plant: How To Care And Grow Rhododendrons

These lines below about a rhododendron plant are from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s well-known poem, “Rhodora,” which refers to the deciduous American species, Rhododendron canadense , with glaucous foliage and many spidery, orchid-pink flowers.

“The purple petals, fallen in the pool, Make the black water, with their beauty gay, Here might the red-bird come, his plumes to cool. And court the flower that cheapens his array,

Rhodora, if the sages ask thee why This charm is wasted on earth and sky. Tell them, dear, that if eyes were made for seeing, Then beauty is its own excuse for being.”

This quotation sets the proper tone for a study of the rhododendron species. We’ll examine the beautiful woodsy plants, native to cool and peaceful forests.

Rugged plants braving the strong winds and chilling temperatures of high mountains.

We’ll discover wherever they grow and flower, they bring delight to the eye and a lift to the spirit. These Rhododendrons and Azaleas will do in the home garden as well as in their native habitats!

Nature Of A Rhododendron Plant Species

Species are a basic concept in genus rhododendrons – the beginning point. They have unique characteristics all their own that few, if any, of the hybrids retain.

Yet far too many of our rhododendron growers allow their enthusiasm for the spectacular modern hybrids to monopolize their interest in the genus.

They ignore the subtle charm and beauty, the refined qualities, of certain species and their varieties. The physical plant – the rhododendron that one sees – is only a part of the story.

The beauty that appeals to the eye
The fragrance that pleases the sense of smell
The texture of the leaves that affects the sense of touch

… all of these stimulate the mind and spirit of the plant lover.

But they must be coupled with a study of the inherent characteristics of a given species and its varieties to insure a full understanding and appreciation of that particular plant.

For example, in the Tacoma area there are three varieties of Rhododendron arborescens:

One with white flowers which is similar to the type – an upright, open plant
Another totally different in color – a magnificent, pink-flowered sort
Third, Richardsoni – native to high altitudes where wind and weather conditions have produced a low-growing, compact, mounded form of plant

However, all three varieties have a group of common characteristics which are peculiar to all plants that make up the arborescens species. The mental concept is the determining factor in the grouping or classification of this particular species.

Rhododendron Modifications Known As Varieties

In their origin, species are native to certain localities in the Northern Hemisphere, very few being found below the equator. (China is the great species center.)

Members of a single species group may be scattered over several areas and, of course, the environment may modify the characteristics of the species.

These modifications are known as varieties. The gardener should remember that species came into being slowly. Their struggle for survival was a part of the violent upheavals.

Rhododendron bushes have two popular varieties: Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) and P.J.M. Rhododendron.

The stresses and strains of natural adjustment that made our world what it is today – also made the rhododendron species what they are today.

The perceptive “plantsman”, the true rhododendron lover – sees all of this in the poise and character of the species in their garden.

Adaptiveness, a prime value of this group of plants, has its roots deep in the origin of the species.

Caring For Rhododendron Plants “Must” Requirements

Growers in any locality who plan to grow rhododendrons should attempt to duplicate the growing conditions of their native habitat. Here are some important info about rhododendron care.

Proper Soil Is Important

Rhododendron roots are fibrous and very fine, and husky root systems will not develop in hard soils that tend to pack and become waterlogged. Unless the planting is done in natural peat, the soil must be conditioned.

Holes should be dug much larger and deeper than needed, and should be filled in with well-drained soil or “made soil,” that is loose, friable and acid . Peat-moss or leafmold and woods soil will serve the purpose, and it should be mixed with fifty percent of good rich soil.

In planting Azaleas and Rhododenrons , the top of the root ball should be kept right at the soil level, with not more than one inch covering. Since the top roots are for the purpose of aeration, deep planting results in poor growth – sometimes in the loss of plants.

A mulch of oak or maple leaves will add acidity to the soil, will conserve moisture and will keep the root area cool in summer.

The soil pH should be between 4.5 and 5.5. A higher factor means a tendency toward alkalinity which will result in poor development; a lower reading means too much acidity – which is often dangerous.

Chemicals for inducing acidity should be used sparingly and carefully. Spread them evenly and thinly, watering in thoroughly.

Commercial pink rhododendron (azalea) fertilizers made up with an acid formula are fine to use in localities where the soil is alkaline, and they will usually solve the acidity problem in such situations.

In localities such as those in western Oregon and Washington, where the soil is naturally and continuously acid, no acidity treatment of any sort is advisable, for it can be harmful.

Special Rhododendron Fertilizer For These Good Feeders

Ordinary barnyard fertilizer of the bovine variety is fine for an annual feeding. Adding Epsom salts around plants in a liquid solution (one cup of crystals to a gallon of water) can be applied over the feeding area of the plants several times during the season.

Epsom salt adds magnesium which will assist in the production of chlorophyll and prevent the development of chlorosis which is indicated by a yellowing of the leaves.

Cottonseed meal, a valuable plant food and a ready source of nitrogen, will assist in the growth of good looking foliage. It also contains appreciable amounts of phosphorus and potassium.

All of these materials can be used simultaneously, and no damage will result if reasonable quantities are applied. Where the soil is alkaline, the acid commercial purple passion rhododendron fertilizer should be beneficial.

Wind Protection For Rhododendrons Is Important

Drying winds, either hot or cold, are always damaging. Advantage should be taken of the shelter provided by buildings: fences, walls, and hedges of trees and shrubs.

The soil of a rhododendron planting should be damp at all times. It should never be dry, especially in summer. In sections where the temperatures and sun are severe, watering must be heavy to temper the heat and compensate for the lack of moisture in the air.

Low humidity is not to the liking of roseum pink rhododendrons. In Puget Sound country where they have high humidity at all times and the temperatures seldom go above 85° degrees Fahrenheit, yet heavy summer watering is necessary.

For areas without too much heat, do not over water your rhododendron plants to avoid root rot.

Protect Rhododendron Plants From Too Much Sun

Most rhododendron plants should be protected from too much sun. In hot localities, the plants must be adequately shielded front the midday sun by trees or by lath shelter.

In cold climates where the ground is frozen for long periods, the plants must be protected from rapid thawing by warm winter sunshine while their roots remain frozen and inactive in the cold earth.

How To Care For Rhododendrons

Plant Rhododendron pink so the top shallow roots are not more than 1″ inch below the soil surface. The hole, which is dug several inches larger than the rootball, is filled in with equal parts peatmoss, leafmold and loam.

Shape a large basin in the soil around the plant and fill it with water several times to settle the soil. A temporary lath for partial or dappled shade will provide a few hours of reduced sunlight each day for the young plant if no nearby trees are of sufficient size.

Protection from wind and cold is necessary when these broad-leaved evergreens are planted in exposed locations. Trees, shrubs or structural barriers on the side of prevailing winds will prevent much damage to foliage and flowers. Rhododendron ponticum is an invasive species and would require frequent cutting so it won’t ruin other plants in the garden.

Where winters are severe a wooden frame covered with heavy burlap will protect plants against temperature extremes. Pack straw or other insulating material about the branches before setting frame over the rhododendron.

Prune Rhododendrons when the last flowers are dead. Branches cut back immediately after flowering will produce shoots which bloom the next year.

However, to insure a good floral display each early spring, it is best to cut only one-third of the branches back each year. Water pruned plants heavily.

Be sure to remove flower clusters as soon as they fade so that the dormant buds just below them on the stem (rather than developing seed pods) will receive the plant’s energy. Be careful not to damage these buds.

Propagating Rhododendrons from Stem Cuttings

After enjoying the gorgeous blooms and magnificent foliage, many gardeners want to try their hand at propagating rhododendrons from stem cuttings. Most can be propagated with the simplest equipment and technique.

Of course the very best propagation results happen where temperature, light and humidity, can all be controlled… like in a greenhouse.

But a glass or muslin-covered coldframe may be substituted with very good results.

For propagating Rhododendron cuttings make sure your coldframe is located in a well-drained area where water will not collect.

To insure good drainage, place a 2 or 3-inch layer of gravel or other coarse material on the bottom.

Spread the rooting medium on top of this, 6 to 8 inches deep. The medium may be pure sand or a mixture of half sand and half peatmoss (the latter is preferred). Pots or flats can also be used.

Then level the bed, thoroughly water it and firm it slightly.

Taking Rhododendron Cuttings

In most areas Rhododendron cuttings may be taken from mid-July to fall. Make them 6 to 8 inches long and cut them from branches of the current season’s growth.

Remove the leaves from the lower half of each cutting, taking care not to strip bark.

Then, using a sharp knife, wound the base with three upward slices into the bark, making each slice approximately 1/8 inch long and leaving a half inch between each gash.

Make the cuts through the bark only; don’t cut into the woody portion of the stem. Make the first slice at the very base of the cutting.

Next, dip the base of each cutting 1-1/2 inches deep into a plant rooting hormone powder (rootone) , making certain some of the powder gets into the wounds under the bark.

Tap the cuttings gently to remove excess powder.

Then insert the cuttings (in an upright position) into the medium to a depth of one half their length, spacing them 4 to 6 inches apart. A pencil is a handy tool to make openings for the cuttings, with very little rooting powder lost.

Firm the “soil” around the cuttings, and immediately water the bed.

Place the cover on the frame, and remember to keep the sand moist at all times. A good drainage system should prevent the sand from becoming waterlogged. For the first several weeks, at least, it’s a good idea to sprinkle the cuttings with water twice daily.

graphic on starting cuttings of azalea bushes

Slow Rooting Process

Compared to many other plants, Rhododendrons root rather slowly. Under this method, however, cuttings taken in summer should be ready to remove from the propagation frame by late fall or spring.

Healthy-looking cuttings which have not developed roots by spring should be left in the frame.

Pot the rooted cuttings in peatmoss or a light, loamy, acidic soil. Six-inch pots are best. Place the plants in a shady or semi-shady location, and the following fall they will be ready for the garden.

Rhododendrons Species for Unfavorable Climates

Those who garden in the most severe localities where there are extremes of heat and cold, will need to exercise great care in the selection of species.

It is never wise to attempt to grow plants of doubtful hardiness in such situations.

Before anything else, it is worth noting that Rhododendrons and the azalea bush have minute differences which confuses many people, including the big guys in the field of botany. This has something to do with the naming system making azalea and Rhododendrons appear as the same. Due to this, their soil pH and temperature requirements may vary.

Many of the deciduous, evergreen azaleas are hardy and adaptable, and many are first-class rhododendrons. Rhododendron roseum has a multitude of clear pink flowers, and a pleasing spicy fragrance. This is a prime rhododendron, judged by any standards. This is a neglected beauty.

Rhododendron canadense is fully as good as Emerson’s poem indicates, and it is a real “toughy.”

Rhododendron Albrechti , a beautiful species with fine wide-open flowers of a deep pink bloom color, has real quality.

Rhododendron calendulaceum is highly colorful with a wide variation of shades and blends of orange, red and yellow. Rhododendron nudiflorum has flowers that vary from white to pink.

Rhododendron arborescens has been described above. Rhododendron Schlippenbachi is a charming species with wide-open flowers from white to delicate pink.

Rhododendron maximum is a white-flowered, large-growing evergreen species. Rhododendron Smirnowi makes a handsome evergreen plant, and the orchid-pink flowers are attractive in the better varieties.

Rhododendron carolinianum is a grand evergreen species that can be grown well as far north as Massachusetts. Properly used, this group of species would make up a first-class rhododendron garden. Most of them are top quality plants in their class.

Rhododendrons For The Small Garden

The small gardener is also fortunate since many good species are available.

The tiny lovely Rhododendron cremastrum , with Tom Thumb flowers of an off shade of pink, the sturdy little stoloniferous Rhododendron pemakoense with orchid colored flowers.

The dwarf variety of Rhododendron racemes with lacy, foamy flowers, and the creeper Rhododendron radicans with baby purplish-blue flowers are only a beginning of the treasures the plantsman who gardens in a restricted area can grow.

How To Grow Rhododendrons For Favorable Climates

Gardeners who grow their plants in a favored land, such as the Rhododendron Belt in western Oregon, Washington and Northern California, and those who live in climates only moderately severe – these are the fortunate people who are not restricted in their choice of species material.

Yet most of them fail to realize their potential blessings. This is largely due to the fact that rhododendron people have not publicized and spotlighted the species that are available.

A sizable woodland garden, either natural or simulated, can be transformed into a virtual fairyland of plant wonders if an intelligent selection of species is used in natural situations and environment.

With such a wealth of species material to choose from, the gardener can use all of the sensitive awareness, the sympathetic understanding, and the ability to create real beauty that he can muster.

Let it also be said, however, that species can be used effectively in the more formal garden, or in any type of landscaping the plantsman wishes. They may want to grow only a few of these plants with other types of garden material.

Whatever their desire, there are species to suit them. Our own native evergreen species.

Rhododendron carolinianum , has slightly pinkish flowers and a very neat growth habit. The album variety of this one is a perfect jewel of a plant, with pure white flowers.

The noble reds and yellows of the deciduous Rhododendron Bakeri are scarcely known, but those who grow it in the West value it highly.

Rhododendron eriogynum is a late-flowering species with hold, flashing red flowers. Rhododendron Fortunei has large trusses of white flowers that are slightly fragrant.

It has considerable hardiness. Rhododendron decorum belongs to the same series as Rhododendron Fortunei , but it has a distinctive beauty all its own.

Rhododendron vernicosum , also in this family, has pink flowers. There are many other fine species, and they come in a considerable range of sizes.

Seasonal Flowering Shrubs in Mild Climate Gardens

Early in the new year, in the west, the precocious species cheer the gardener on dark winter days with their bright flowers. Rhododendron mucronulatum will open orchid-pink flowers in a lovely show in January.

Rhododendron dauricum will duplicate this in February, and will have as company Rhododendron moupinense and Rhododendron leucaspis , both white-flowered.

Often the impressive Rhododendron sutchuenense , with light pink flowers that have a dark blotch, will begin flowering in late February. March and April bring a host of species into flower. May and June are crowded with the largest group to flower in the season.

July will bring into flower the flashy, native deciduous azalea. Rhododendron prunifolium , which is a very fine rhododendron. Some varieties of Rhododendron occidentale will flower in July also.

Rhododendron discolor and Rhododendron diaprepes , both of which have white flowers, make large plants and are fine July-flowering sorts. In August. Rhododendron auriculatum , the treelike, white-flowered and slightly scented species will have as company the latest flowering varieties of Rhododendron occidentale .

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How to Grow and Care for Rhododendron

A Large Genus That Includes Azaleas

Nadia Hassani is a a Penn State Master Gardener with nearly 20 years of experience in landscaping, garden design, and vegetable and fruit gardening.

Julie Thompson-Adolf is a Master Gardener and author with over 30 years of experience in year-round organic gardening; seed starting, growing heirlooms, and sustainable farming.

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Propagating
Growing in Pots

Overwintering

Common Pests and Diseases
Common Issues

Rhododendron is a genus of more than 1,000 species and more than 25,000 cultivars and hybrids. They grow as native plants in many parts of the world, including North America. By far, the largest number of wild rhododendrons are native to Asia, and it is those species that many of the cultivated rhododendrons are derived.

Because rhododendron species are so numerous, the genus has been divided into subgenera, and they have also been grouped into sections and subsections according to similar features. Rhododendrons can be evergreen or deciduous, and large-leaved and small-leaved. They come in a wide range of sizes and flower colors and shapes. The tubular-, funnel-, or bell-shaped flowers can be fragrant or non-fragrant. Some rhododendrons have tiny scales on the leaves (lepidote), or they don’t (elepidote). The bloom time ranges from late winter through early fall.

The growth rate of the different species varies widely. Always choose a variety that fits your climate, which will also determine the best planting time.

All rhododendron are toxic to humans and pets.

Rhododendron vs. Azaleas

As rhododendrons and azaleas are often mentioned in the same breath, one might think they are the same, but they are not. Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the Rhododendron genus so all azaleas are rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. The key difference between the two is the bloom time—rhododendrons bloom later than azaleas—they are more open, airy, and less dense in their growth habit, and they have much larger flowers than azaleas.

	Rhododendron
	spp.
	Ericaceae
	Shrub
	2-20 ft. tall, 3-15 ft. wide
	Partial
	Moist, well-drained
	Acidic
	Spring, summer, fall
	Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, white
	4-9 (USDA)
	North America, Europe, Asia, Australia
	Toxic to humans, toxic to pets

Rhododendron Plant Care

While rhododendron species vary in their requirements, and many grow in a wide range of conditions, there are a few common denominators that apply to all types. These include naturally acidic soil, adequate moisture, and partial or dappled shade.

Once the plants are established, they do not require a lot of maintenance other than light pruning and the yearly application of two to three inches of organic mulch around the base of the plant to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.

In their native habitats, rhododendron grows in dappled woodland shade and under trees. Choose a location in partial shade where the plant is not exposed to the hot afternoon sun, which is especially important in a warmer climate.

Rhododendrons need moist soil, however, they are just as sensitive to soggy, heavy, or compacted soil with poor drainage, in which their fine, hair-like roots get damaged. They prefer acidic soils with a pH between 4.5 to 6.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter.

The plants need adequate moisture. Especially during the first year after planting, consistent irrigation is crucial. Water the plant slowly and deeply twice a week during the first growing season. Established shrubs need watering during dry and hot weather without rain because the roots are very shallow and the soil around them dries out quickly. Even if the plant does not show any sign of drought stress yet, water it every two to three weeks during dry spells.

Temperature and Humidity

The temperature range very much depends on the rhododendron variety. Some varieties tolerate heat and humidity, and others are cold-hardy. Most varieties do not like strong winds and are sensitive to temperature extremes.

If you have planted your rhododendron in rich soil with plenty of organic matter, there is usually no need to fertilize it. In less fertile soil, use a special fertilizer for acid-loving plants in late winter or early spring and follow the label instructions for rhododendrons.

emkaplin / Getty Images

Types of Rhododendrons

Most rhododendrons sold in the nursery trade today are cultivars and hybrids but here are a few popular species native to North America:

R. catawbiense (Catawba rosebay, Catawba rhododendron) has dark, glossy, evergreen foliage and deep pink flowers. It can grow up to 20 feet tall. It is native to the moist mountain woodlands of the Appalachian states and suitable for USDA zones 4-8.
R. maximum (Rosebay rhododendron) is an evergreen shrub with white flowers in the summer. It is native to Eastern North America and especially hardy, being suitable for USDA zones 3-7. It grows 5 to 15 feet tall and about as wide.
R. macrophyllum (Pacific rhododendron, California rosebay) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows 6 to 12 feet tall. It is native to the Pacific Northwest; its pale pink to purple flowers are the state flower of Washington.
R. periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom azalea) is a bushy azalea that is native to the Eastern United States. Unlike most other varieties, it tolerates dry, nutrient-poor soil. It has lightly fragrant white to pink flowers in the spring and grows 3 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide.

Cultivars and Hybrids

From the thousands of rhododendron cultivars and hybrids, bred both from native and non-native species, here are some popular ones:

P.J.M. Rhododendron ( Rhododendron x ‘P.J.M.’) is a hybrid with bright lavender-purple blooms and dark evergreen leaves that turn mahogany brown in the winter. It is both heat- and cold-tolerant and hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall and spreads more than 5 feet.
September Song Rhododendron ( Rhododendron x ‘September Song’) is an evergreen hybrid for regions with milder winters. It grows 4 to 5 feet tall and spreads more than 5 feet. The flowers in the spring are pink, yellow, and orange.
Nova Zembla Rhododendron ( Rhododendron x ‘Nova Zembla’) is a hybrid evergreen with bright red flowers on a shrub that grows up to 5 feet tall and wide. It is suitable for USDA zones 4-8.
Roseum Elegans Rhododendron ( Rhododendron x ‘Roseum Elegans’) is a hybrid that grows 6 to 8 feet in height and width. The large pink-rose flowers resemble lilac. It is suitable for USDA zones 4-8.
Pink Treasure Rhododendron ( Rhododendron kaempferi ‘Pink Treasure’) is an evergreen cultivar when grown at the warmer end of its range (USDA zones 4-8), where its leaves turn red in the fall. The shrub, reaching 6 feet in height and 5 feet in width, has pink pendulous flowers in the spring.

The main reason for pruning rhododendrons is to remove dead, diseased, or broken branches. This can be done any time.

Pruning to shape it, thin it for better airflow, or rejuvenate a mature shrub should be done soon after the bloom, or no later than early summer because by mid or late summer, the plant has formed next year’s flowers.

Propagating Rhododendron

Before you set out to propagate a rhododendron, identify whether it is a straight species, a cultivar, or a hybrid. It only makes sense to propagate a straight species, as the outcome of propagating a cultivar or hybrid is unpredictable—the new plant does not have the desired features. Plus, some cultivars or hybrids are trademarked and propagation is prohibited.

If you have a suitable rhododendron for propagation, take these steps to propagate it from cuttings. Be aware that this process takes four months or more.
In the early fall, take several 4-inch green softwood cuttings below a leaf node. The branches should be slim and have one whirl of leaves but no flower buds. If there are more than four leaves, remove them. Cut the leaves in half to make the leaf surface smaller.
Have small pots with sterile damp potting mix ready and make a 1-inch hole with a pencil. You can put more than one cutting in the container, as not all will root.
At the bottom end of the cuttings, slice off a thin layer of bark on either side of the stem, 1 inch long.
Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and immediately insert the cutting into the hole. Gently firm the soil around the cuttings.
Place the pots with the cuttings in a warm, bright location but away from direct sunlight. Keep the soil evenly moist at all times but not soggy. It takes three to four months for large-leaf rhododendron to root.

Kacharava / Getty Images

Potting and Repotting

Smaller compact rhododendrons with a maximum height and width of 3 to 5 feet at maturity can be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least one-third larger than the nursery container the plant came in, and with large drainage holes. Fill it with potting mix for acid-loving plants. Place the container in a location where it gets shade in the afternoon.

When the plant has outgrown its container, and the roots reach the sides and grow out of the drainage holes, repot it in a larger container.

Detailfoto / Getty Images

If you planted a variety in the landscape that is suitable for your climate, and it is in a location where it’s shielded from chilly winter winds, there is no need for any winter protection. Potted plants, on the other hand, need to be winterized because the roots are exposed and vulnerable to winter cold.

Extreme winter cold might damage the buds. If the plant is small enough, loosely wrap it with burlap to protect it temporarily. Take special care not to break any buds.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Rhododendrons are susceptible to a wide range of pests and diseases. The plant attracts aphids , mites, borers, lacebugs, caterpillars, leafhoppers, mealybugs , nematodes, scale , thrips , and whiteflies. Possible diseases include powdery mildew , blights, canker, crown rot, leaf gall, root rot, leaf spot, and, rust. he healthier the plant, the better equipped it is to fend off any of these pests and diseases.

How to Get Rhododendron to Bloom

There are several possibilities for why your rhododendron isn’t blooming. It could be damage to the flower buds from a severe freeze or late frost, or you could have accidentally removed the flower buds when pruning too late in the season. In those cases, there is nothing to be done than wait until the next year. Or, the plant might not get enough sunlight. Rhododendrons need shade but too much shade affects their bloom. Pruning other plants around often helps to let more light in. Drought stress is another possible reason so make sure to water the plant in dry spells. Imbalance in the soil can also affect the bloom. If there is excess nitrogen in the soil, you get lush foliage but no flowers. The source of nitrogen runoff might be an over-fertilized lawn nearby. Or, the pH of the soil is too high. A soil test is required to confirm this and you’ll need to lower the pH as described below.

Common Problems with Rhododendron

Rhododendron leaves turning yellow can be a sign of the pH being too high. This can happen when the plant is near a concrete sidewalk, driveway, or foundation which leaches lime and raises the soil pH. Test the soil pH first before lowering the pH . Amend the soil with wettable sulfur powder or ferrous sulfate—not to be confused with aluminum sulfate, which is toxic to rhododendron roots.

Like everything newly planted, rhododendrons need regular watering during the first season but after they are established, usually two or three years, they are low-maintenance plants.

All rhododendrons are toxic to humans and pets, especially when larger amounts are ingested. Honey that is made from flowering rhododendron is equally toxic.

A combination of the two—they should get morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled shade.

The Rhododendron Cultivar Collection . University of Bergen.

Rhododendron . ASPCA.

Guide to Poisonous Plants . Colorado State University.

Rhododendron periclymenoides . North Caroline State University Extension.

Plant Culture and Care . The American Rhododendron Society.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons . Poison Control. National Capital Poison Center.

More from The Spruce

Scientific Name: Rhododendron (evergreen spp. & cvs.) Pronunciation: roe-doe-DEN-drun Common Name: rhododendron Family Name: Ericaceae Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen Key ID Features: Leaves alternate, usually leathery, mostly elliptic, 2-20cm long x 1-7cm wide, petioles 5-20mm long; flowers up to 5cm wide; corolla deeply 5-lobed, stamens 10.

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Rhododendron: National Flower of Nepal

Discover nepal's emblematic rhododendron, a blooming treasure on himalayan trails. dive into nature's palette, culture, and conservation endeavors in these vibrant treks..

Nepal, a landlocked country nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and diverse flora and fauna. Among the myriad of natural wonders that adorn this Himalayan nation, the rhododendron stands out as a symbol of beauty, resilience, and national pride. Declared the national flower of Nepal, the rhododendron, locally known as Gurans or Lali Gurans, holds a special place in the hearts of the Nepalese people and graces the country's lush hillsides with its vibrant blooms.

Botanical Splendor: The Rhododendron Species

The name "rhododendron" originates from the Greek words "rhodos", meaning rose, and "dendron", meaning tree. This genus encompasses a vast array of flowering plants, including both shrubs and trees, known for their large, showy flowers. With over 1,000 natural species and countless hybrids, rhododendrons have become a common garden plant worldwide. However, it is in the high Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan, where these botanical wonders find their most diverse and stunning expression.

The biodiversity hotspots of Indo-Burma and South Central China, characterized by high rates of habitat destruction, are home to a plethora of rhododendron species. The rugged terrain and varying elevations create the perfect conditions for these plants to thrive. Rhododendrons are particularly prevalent at altitudes above 1,500 meters, transforming the landscapes into a riot of colors and shapes.

National Pride: Rhododendron in Nepalese Culture

In Nepal, the rhododendron holds not only botanical significance but also cultural and economic importance. The national flower, Rhododendron arboreum, locally known as Lali Gurans, is an impressive tree species that can reach heights of approximately 20 meters. The brilliance of its red flowers makes it a striking feature of the Himalayan flora.

Lali Gurans is deeply embedded in Nepalese culture and traditions. It finds a place in the Nepali food menu, where villagers consume the flower petals directly or incorporate them into dishes with rice and curry. The vibrant blooms are also used to create a sweet drink, showcasing the versatility of this national symbol.

Floral Elegance: Trekking Amidst Rhododendron Forests

One of the most enchanting ways to experience the beauty of rhododendrons in Nepal is through trekking. The country offers a myriad of trekking routes that wind through rhododendron-filled landscapes, providing trekkers with a visual feast of colors and fragrances. These treks, often at higher elevations, lead adventurers through forests adorned with moss-covered branches, shiny evergreen leaves, and, of course, the magnificent rhododendron flowers.

The best time to witness this floral spectacle is during the blooming season, which typically spans from March to early May, depending on the species and weather conditions. The treks that showcase the diversity of rhododendron species include Milke Danda Region, Langtang Valley, Poon Hill, and Ghandruk in Nepal. Eastern and Southern Tibet, near the Yunnan Province border, and Bhutan's Druk Path and Genty Trek also offer opportunities to encounter charismatic rhododendron species.

Diversity in Bloom: Rhododendron Species in the Himalayas

The trekking routes expose visitors to various rhododendron species, each with its unique characteristics. Among the common species encountered during treks in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan are rhododendron arboreum, rhododendron campanulatum, rhododendron campylocarpum, rhododendron falconeri, rhododendron grande, and rhododendron forrestii.

Rhododendron arboreum, the national flower of Nepal, stands tall with brilliant red flowers, reaching heights of around 20 meters. On the other hand, rhododendron campanulatum boasts purple, white, or blue flowers in bundles and grows to approximately 5 meters. The diminutive rhododendron forrestii, found at very high elevations, forms small mounds with bright red flowers, creating a breathtaking contrast to its modest size.

The diversity of rhododendron species varies not only in size but also in the colors and shapes of their blooms. Trekking enthusiasts and avid birders can relish the experience of witnessing these botanical wonders and encountering bird species that frequent the rhododendron forests.

Identifying Rhododendron Species: A Pocket Guide

For those keen on identifying rhododendron species during their trekking adventures, a valuable resource is the "Pocket Guide to Rhododendron Species" by McQuire and Robinson. This guide provides clear descriptions and stunning photographs of each species, enhancing the trekking experience by adding an educational dimension to the journey.

Trekking Destinations: A Symphony of Colors

The beauty of rhododendron treks lies not only in the diverse species encountered but also in the trekking destinations that showcase these floral wonders. Some of the best trekking regions for rhododendron enthusiasts include:

Milke Danda Region: Known for its 30 species of rhododendron, Milke Danda is a haven for nature lovers. Trekkers can explore Teenjura, Milke, and Jajale, experiencing the capital of rhododendron in the nation.
Langtang Valley: A trek through Langtang Valley treats visitors to extensive rhododendron forests along rocky ridges, offering a captivating display of colors.
Poon Hill: Famous for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, this region is adorned with rhododendron blooms in March and April, creating a spectacular landscape.
Ghandruk: Nestled in the Annapurna region, Ghandruk offers a picturesque setting with rhododendrons enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape.
Eastern and Southern Tibet: The border areas with Yunnan Province provide opportunities to witness unique rhododendron species against the backdrop of rugged terrains.
Druk Path and Genty Trek in Bhutan: Bhutan's treks, such as the Druk Path and Genty Trek, lead through gnarled rhododendron forests, showcasing the country's natural beauty.

These destinations not only offer a visual feast of rhododendron blooms but also provide trekkers with a chance to immerse themselves in the unique ecosystems of the Himalayan region.

Beyond Rhododendrons: Botanical Treasures of Nepal

While trekking through Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibet to witness rhododendron blooms, one can also encounter other botanical treasures that add to the richness of the journey. The Himalayan spruce, tiny gentians, pedicularis (broomrape), and the elusive snow lotus (saussurea), a valuable and endangered medicinal plant, contribute to the diverse flora found nowhere else in the world.

The trekking experience in these regions becomes a holistic journey, combining the appreciation of diverse plant life, encounters with unique wildlife, and immersion in the rich cultural traditions of the local communities.

Rhododendron Conservation Efforts: Preserving Natural Heritage

Given the ecological importance and cultural significance of rhododendrons in the Himalayan region, various conservation initiatives have been undertaken to protect these floral wonders. The Rhododendron Conservation Program in Nepal, supported by organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), focuses on preserving the habitats of rhododendron species while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Efforts to raise awareness about the importance of conserving rhododendrons extend beyond national borders. Collaborative initiatives involving local communities, government bodies, and international organizations aim to safeguard these botanical treasures for future generations.

Rhododendron: A Source of Health and Traditions

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the rhododendron holds medicinal properties that have been recognized and utilized by the indigenous communities of the Himalayas for generations. The red petals of the rhododendron flower are considered a natural painkiller, and the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including heart disease, inflammation, constipation, bronchitis, and asthma.

In the traditional culture of Nepal's Himalayan region, rhododendron flowers are processed into powders used in pickles, adding both flavor and health benefits. The bioactive steroids and phytochemicals present in rhododendrons contribute to their antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

Cultural Significance: Rhododendron in Art, Music, and Festivals

The influence of rhododendrons extends beyond the realms of nature and medicine into the cultural tapestry of the Himalayan communities. The vibrant red blooms find expression in art, music, and festivals, becoming a source of inspiration for poets and musicians alike.

Numerous poems and songs, such as "Timi Lali Gurans Phule Jastai" and "Ma Ta Laligurans Bhayechu", celebrate the beauty of the rhododendron. Women adorn their hair with rhododendron flowers, and the blossoms are used to decorate houses, particularly during festivals and special occasions.

The rhododendron holds a special place in the rituals and festivities of the Himalayan communities. The Helambu District, for example, celebrates the Lali Gurans Festival during the peak flowering season, creating a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.

In conclusion, the rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal, is not merely a botanical specimen; it is a symbol of resilience, cultural richness, and the inherent connection between nature and human communities. The trekking routes that wind through rhododendron-filled landscapes offer not only a visual spectacle but also a profound connection with the ecosystems and traditions of the Himalayan region.

As travelers embark on these treks, they not only witness the kaleidoscope of colors that the rhododendron forests provide but also contribute to the ongoing efforts to conserve and protect these natural wonders. Rhododendron treks in Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibet transcend the boundaries of a typical adventure; they become a symphony of nature, where every step echoes the vibrant spirit of the Himalayas and its floral ambassadors, the rhododendrons.

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Published: 14 January 2019

Bioactive compounds, health benefits and utilization of Rhododendron : a comprehensive review

Vikas Kumar ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9593-6463 1 ,
Sheenam Suri 1 ,
Rasane Prasad 1 ,
Yogesh Gat 1 ,
Chesi Sangma 1 ,
Heena Jakhu 1 &
Manjri Sharma 1

Agriculture & Food Security volume 8 , Article number: 6 ( 2019 ) Cite this article

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The Rhododendron distributed throughout the world is a small evergreen tree with deep red or pale pink flowers, belongs to the family Ericaceae and is known for its spectacular flowers. The species is widely distributed between the latitudes 80°N and 20°S with high socioeconomic reverence and has been designated as the national flower of Nepal and state flower of Himachal Pradesh (India). In addition to its immense horticultural importance, it is commonly used as an ornamental plant for gardens, plantations in the streets or vessels for its aesthetic value. Because of its numerous phytochemical potential, it is being utilized as a traditional remedy for different diseases. Flowers of this plant are traditionally utilized by the people residing in the mountainous region to make pickle, juice, jam, syrup, honey, squash, etc., and to treat various ailments like diarrhea, headache, inflammation, bacterial and fungal infections. The present review highlights the medicinal, nutritional and potential properties of Rhododendron by making value-added products to improve the livelihood for sustainable development of the rural tribal population with more job opportunities.

Nature provides us an access to a diverse group of plants with numerous usages including decoration, medicinal, flowering and fruiting. Nowadays, the cultivation of plants for medicinal as well as commercial purposes is of extreme antiquity, and the researchers are exploring the underutilized plants which are being utilized for different purposes traditionally. India is known for its vast biological diversity and rich traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda), which forms a strong base for the exploration of various plants for general health care. Rhododendron is one such plant that is acquiring a special place in the cultural as well as economic life of the people. Rhododendron is derived from Greek word: “rhodo” means “rose” and “dendron” means “tree.” It belongs to the family, Ericaceae , and was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1837 [ 1 ]. Rhododendron was originated in the valley of Himalayas, Kashmir, Assam, Manipur in India and in some regions of Bhutan. The aesthetic beauty of the fully blossomed flowers in the flowering season attracts the attention of the visitors [ 2 ]. Due to these reasons, the flower has been entitled as the national flower of Nepal and state flower of Himachal Pradesh (India).

India has been considered as a treasure house of medicinal and aromatic plant species. According to WHO (2000), 65% of the world’s population integrate the medicinal plant for treatment and 80% of the Indian population used plant product for treating many diseases [ 3 ]. Rhododendron is one of the naturally occurring plants which possess various health benefits, such as prevention and treatment of diseases associated with heart, dysentery, diarrhea, detoxification, inflammation, fever, constipation, bronchitis and asthma [ 4 ]. The leaves possess effective antioxidant activity. The young leaves are used to alleviate headache. The wood of this plant can be used for making khukri handles, packsaddles, gift boxes, gunstocks and posts [ 5 ]. Due to the limited availability of the flower, researchers and processors in food and pharmaceutical sectors, with few exceptions, did not yet exploit it. This review focuses on the classification, locality, area and production, composition, distribution, medicinal properties, utilization and future prospective of the Rhododendron with the aim of dispersing the facts related to it.

Classification and distribution

Taxonomists have made different classifications based on morphological data, i.e., flowers, leaves, hair, etc., due to different species of its kind. Rhododendron , the largest genus of the Ericaceae family, includes 1200 species which is distributed throughout the Northeast Asia and Eurasia, Western Europe and North America [ 6 ]. Approximately, more than 70% of 500 Rhododendron species are endemic in China. Rhododendron species, R. protistum var. giganteum, was first named and identified by George Forrest in 1919, which is one of the tallest and most ancient Rhododendron trees [ 7 ], therefore honored as the “King of Rhododendron ” [ 8 ]. Among all the Rhododendron species, Rhododendron arboreum is widely distributed, and most commonly found subspecies of the same are presented in Table 1 [ 2 ].

Rhododendron , a most famous horticulture plant, has become one of the most popular plants in the gardens and as avenue trees [ 9 ] and has also been widely cultivated in different parts of the world due to its ethnical uses, commercial and medicinal values. It covers a vast section of Southeastern Asia between the Northwestern Himalaya through Nepal, Sikkim, Eastern Tibet, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Upper Burma, Western and Central China. All these places account for more than 90% of the world’s natural population of Rhododendrons .

Composition of Rhododendron arboreum

Rhododendron contains minerals such as manganese, iron, zinc, copper, sodium, chromium, cobalt, cadmium, molybdenum, nickel, lead and arsenic. Minerals play a vital role in maintaining certain physicochemical processes which are essential for life. Manganese, copper, selenium, zinc, iron and molybdenum are important cofactors found in the structure of certain enzymes and are indispensable in numerous biochemical pathways. Sodium is important in maintaining the osmotic balance between cells and interstitial fluid [ 10 ]. A brief composition of the Rhododendron flower is given in Table 2 .

Table 3 depicts the phytochemical potential of different parts of the Rhododendron plant which indicates that the whole plant is a “mine of phytochemical,” which is a non-nutritive plant chemical possessing protective or disease preventive properties [ 11 ]. The plant contains large amount of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, steroids and phlobatannins [ 4 ]. Secondary metabolites are critical component for plant survival and play a significant role in human health.

Distribution of species of Rhododendron

Worldwide, around 1200 species of Rhododendron have been estimated, among which China has the highest number of species, i.e., 571 species of total species in the world, of which 409 are endemic [ 16 ]. In India, there are about 80 species, 10 subspecies and 14 varieties. The existing records indicate that 98% of the Indian species are found in the Himalayan region, and 72% are found in Sikkim [ 1 , 17 ]

Medicinal properties of Rhododendron plant

Rhododendron is used traditionally in Far-West Nepal as a remedy for many diseases and is preferred for its diverse medicinal properties with low side-effect profile. Phenolic acids obtained from its leaves and twigs have been reported to have anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive activities, and also its leaves and flowers are utilized for treating illness, headache, diabetes, rheumatism, etc. Some of the medicinal properties of its different parts along with their specific bioactive compounds and remarks are reviewed in Table 4 .

Utilization of Rhododendron flower

Recently, the processors took interest in the utilization of the Rhododendron flower for the development of valuable food products; therefore, few products are available in the market. Few scientific researches have been done for the utilization of this flower, which could be due to its limited availability in limited places or the perishable nature of the flower. Some of the possible products which can be prepared from the Rhododendron flower are suggested here in this review which will open a new door for the researchers and processors to utilize this flower commercially for value addition.

Rhododendron flower juice besides being a refreshing drink is also believed to impart great medicinal value. Extraction of Rhododendron juice can be done by two methods, i.e., cold-pressing method and hot-pressing method. Traditionally, hot-pressing method of juice extraction is used by the processor (Fig. 1 ) [ 26 ], resulting into more yield, but at the same time the thermosensitive phytochemical properties get affected. Therefore, cold-pressing method (Fig. 1 ) should be used by the processor to overcome their problem and to provide a wholesome product to the consumers. Rhododendron flowers could offer enormous opportunities for better marketing strategies for the sale of squash and other beverages. Other products such as preserve, appetizer, syrup, wine, vinegar, jam, jelly, instant juice mix, probiotic drinks, flavored milk and milk-based products are still not explored by the researchers and need further exploration in the future to bring Rhododendron plant into limelight for the Indian food industry [ 12 ]. If the right method of juice extraction is selected initially, then the final product will be nutritious. Attri et al. [ 20 ], Bhatt et al. [ 27 ] and Krishna et al. [ 12 ] made a valuable effort for the preparation and improvisation of the Rhododendron squash preparation method.

Methods of Rhododendron flower juice extraction (hot and cold pressing)

Beside production of juice and juice-based products, Rhododendron flower can also be used for the production of dried products (dried powder, ready-to-serve chutney mix, pickle, etc.). It is traditionally being used for making chutney by crushing the flowers and adding mint leaves, salt, anardana or tamarind for imparting a sour taste. However, these products have not been studied by the researchers still.

Rhododendron honey, also known as mad, wild or toxic honey, has been known since ancient times [ 28 ]. It is produced by honeybees which collect nectars from the flower of Rhododendron . It is reported to treat several disorders and is used traditionally as a medicine. It contains grayanotoxin and andromedotoxin as active ingredients. Grayanatoxin present in Rhododendron honey can cause severe vertigo, arterial hypotension and bradycardia if consumed in large amount [ 29 ]. However, some studies have reported that Rhododendron honey lowers blood glucose and lipid levels in the case of rats with diabetes mellitus. It has also been reported to impart anti-bacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects [ 30 ].

Future prospective

The commercial utilization of this flower for the development of various food and pharmaceutical products can help in the availability of this flower/flower-based product throughout the year. Therefore, this can help in the sustainable development of rural tribal populations with great possibilities of employment. The plant can also be used for the development of lifesaving drugs and could offer enormous opportunities for devising better marketing strategies. Development of sustainable use of this plant can hold a good prospective for local livelihood. More research is still required for value addition and creating awareness about its high nutritive and medicinal value among urban, rural and semi-urban consumers for solving the problem/prevalence of malnutrition on the one hand and economic development on the other [ 31 ]. Figure 2 depicts the brief future prospective of this flower for the development of wide range of food products which needs further exploration by the researchers for their existence in the food industry and market.

Future prospective of Rhododendron flower

Conclusions

Rhododendron plants have number of health benefits along with antimicrobial activities and have full potency to be utilized in the food and beverage industry. This plant can be explored further by the researchers since it is still underutilized and is not properly preserved to make it available throughout the year. Authors have tried to review the medicinal properties as well as exploring different horizons for the utilization of Rhododendron flower and hoping that this review will attract the researchers to conduct research in this field for the value addition which may help in the enhancement of employment and economy for the upcoming generation.

Abbreviations

World Health Organization

human immunodeficiency virus

milligrams per 100 ml

microgram per 100 ml

parts per million

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Kumar, V., Suri, S., Prasad, R. et al. Bioactive compounds, health benefits and utilization of Rhododendron : a comprehensive review. Agric & Food Secur 8 , 6 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-019-0251-3

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Rhododendron
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Biology, Environmental Science

162 Citations

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Identification and bioinformatic characterization of rare variants of rhododendron canescens architecture genes, testing genome skimming for species discrimination in the large and taxonomically difficult genus rhododendron, can pollen sculpture in rhododendron subsec. rhodorastra differentiate species.

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Massage away your stress, dambar kumari and a fabric that transcended boundaries, gokarna forest resort the royal hunting ground, coffee cascara extra income for coffee farmers, some lesser-known vegetable dishes from the southern plains, nepal's magnificent rhododendron.

Of the over thirty species of Rhododendron in Nepal the most renowned is Rhododendron arboreum, known as Gurans in Nepali. There are extensive and magnificent Rhododendron arboreum forests throughout the country ranging in elevation from around 1,400 to 3,600 meters. Rhododendron is a very widely distributed genus, occurring throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere and extending to areas in southeastern Asia and northern Australasia. It does not occur naturally in South America or Africa. However, the highest species diversity is found in the Himalaya. The name rhododendron is derived from the Greek words rhodos (meaning rose) and dendron (meaning tree). There are over 1,000 natural species of rhododendron, including many bushy species and a number of trees that grow to heights of up to thirty meters. Many of the tree species will take years to reach flowering, at least twenty or more, while at least fifty years is needed for a tree rhododendron to reach its optimum form. Worldwide there are numerous Rhododendron societies and many species are cultivated throughout the world as ornamentals and hybrids, largely due to their beautiful flowers. There are over 28,000 cultivars of Rhododendron in the International Rhododendron Registry held by the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK. Rhododendrons are botanically related to azaleas, blueberries, heathers and mountain laurels. Of the over thirty species of Rhododendron in Nepal the most renowned is Rhododendron arboreum, known as Gurans in Nepali. There are extensive and magnificent Rhododendron arboreum forests throughout the country ranging in elevation from around 1,400 to 3,600 meters. Starting at elevations of around 1,400 meters the flowers are a vibrant red. However, as altitude increases the color begins shifting to pink, gradually becoming pure white as elevations approach the species’ upper limit of 3,600 meters. For Nepalis the most beloved of the tree rhododendrons is the Lali Gurans, or red one, and it has a special place in the people’s hearts, culture and economic life. In March and April it blankets the hills with great beauty, heralding the coming of Spring with warmer days and the promise of bountiful harvests to come. Red is also a most auspicious color commonly used for “tikas” and women’s saris during weddings and major festivals such as Dashain and Teej. Due to its special qualities and widespread distribution in the country’s hills Lali Gurans is the national flower of Nepal. In addition to this, in December 2006 during the reconciliation period following the civil conflict, Nepal adopted a new national emblem incorporating Lali Gurans. According to reports in The Rising Nepal newspaper, the new emblem symbolizes “national unity and people’s sovereignty” and “reflects spirit of loktantra (republic) marked by inclusiveness and gender parity.” The new emblem contains the flag of Nepal, Mount Everest, green hills and yellow colour symbolising the fertile Terai region together with male and female hands joining to symbolise gender equality. Superimposed on the hills is a white silhouette in the shape of Nepal. All of these symbols are encircled by a wreath of red rhododendron flowers. At the base of the design a red scroll carries the national motto in Sanskrit: (jananī janmabhūmiśca svargādapi garīyasī), which translates as “Mother and the motherland are greater than heaven.”

There are numerous poems and songs referring to Lali Gurans. Among the most famous songs are Prakash Shresta’s “Timi Lali Gurans Phule Jastai”, Kunti Moktan’s “Laligurans Banai Bhari” and Narayan Gopal’s “Ma Ta Laligurans Bhayechu” which uses phrases such as “I became a Lali Gurans; I blossom in the whole forest and in your heart; if somebody is there to look I will blossom in their eyes”. Women love to enhance their beauty by putting the flowers in their hair and blossoms are also used to decorate the gates and windows of houses. People of all ages delight in walking through the forests and picking bouquets of rhododendron flowers. This is especially true of those engaged in courtship who will exchange flowers as a token of affection. In Helambu District there is an annual Lali Gurans Festival during the peak flowering season.

Extensive stands of rhododendrons are found in the same altitudinal range as the grazing grounds for sheep, goats, cows and yaks. In the winter months, the fresh leaves make good fodder, but when the flowers are in bloom - the leaves are poisonous to animals and they are sometimes used as fish poison. The wood can be used for furniture, house beams and garden fencing. Some groups in the hills use the wood in making household utensils, gunstocks and tool handles. Unfortunately, it is more often used as firewood and increasing population pressure has been steadily reducing both the area and density of the forests. Groups such as ACAP (The Annapurna Conservation Area Project) have been attempting to introduce fuel efficient stoves and solar water heaters to mitigate this problem. Lali Gurans also finds a place in the Nepali food menu. Villagers will directly eat the flower petals and children especially enjoy the few drops of honey they contain. The Raute and Chepang people pickle the flower by adding salt and chilies to eat with rice and curry dishes. A very sweet drink is also made from the flowers and heavy doses of sugar. This is similar to the refreshing drinks made from the hibiscus flower in the Middle East. While rhododendron flowers are a source of honey, great care must be exercised in consuming it as some species produce a highly toxic honey. Essential oils from some species are used in perfumes and incense. The flower is often seen as an offering in hill temples.

Rhododendron is also a source of traditional medicine. One method of preparation is making a powder from the flower which is mixed with the starch of the boiling rice and given to the patient. It helps to cure patients who are suffering from dysentery. Another remedy is to make a paste from the leaves and apply it to the forehead in the treatment of headaches. It is also used to treat skin diseases. An extract of the bark is used in the treatment of coughs, diarrhoea and dysentery. In ayurvedic medicine rhododendron plants are used to treat jaundice, diabetes, piles, enlargement of the spleen, liver disorder and worms. According to common folklore in Nepal a sip of the juice of the Lali Gurans flower dissolves fish bones stuck in the throat. Some rhododendron species in the high mountains are used to make herbal teas. According to herbalist Amchi Lhakpa the tea “clears your stomach and improves digestion. It is helpful with lung and stress disorders involving general weakness of the body. It helps reduce fever and swelling of the abdomen due to the indigestion of food, restores the natural balance after changes in climate or water, and relieves numbness of the extremities, swelling and itching of the throat, or a feeling of thirst”.

The beauty of the flowering rhododendrons draws thousands of trekkers to Nepal every year. Trees begin flowering at lower elevations in early March and the season can extend into May at the higher elevations. The most extensive forests are in the eastern part of the country though there are still patches of forest in the far west. The major areas for seeing rhododendron while trekking are Langtang National Park, Makalubarun National Park, Milke Danda-Jaljale Himal (a transverse mountain range in the east which separates the Tamur and Arun river systems), the Upper Tamur River Valley and the Annapurna Conservation Area. The Pulchowki hills in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley are an easily accessible place to see Lali Gurans. Seeing these beautiful flowering forests against the backdrop of the majestic Himalaya, while enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the Nepali people, is surely worth a trip from anywhere in the world.

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The Revision of Rhododendron

Publication of the taxonomic revision of genus Rhododendron began in 1980 with Volume 39 No. 1 of the Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh . This brought into use the current classification with which we are now familiar, commencing with the lepidote species of Subgenus Rhododendron and followed by Volume 39.2 in 1982 with the elepidotes of Subgenus Hymenanthes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for granting the Group permission to offer these publications digitally. They represent a valuable resource for the rhododendron community, researchers and growers alike . Further elements of the Revision will appear here in due course. IMPORTANT NOTE Taxonomic treatment of various species may have altered since the original publication.

These publications contain full descriptions of the then known species together with maps of their incidence in the wild, details of their original introduction, naming and the location of type specimens.

Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Volume 39.1 1980 A Revision of Rhododendron I: Subgenus Rhododendron sections Rhododendron & Pogonanthum J. Cullen

Volume 39.1 (74MB)

Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Volume 39.2 1982 A Revision of Rhododendron II: Subgenus Hymenanthes D.F. Chamberlain

Volume 39.2 (57MB)

General Index to Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Volume 39 – A Revision of Rhododendron I & II

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rhododendron
Rhododendrons are plants with beautiful flowers and glossy leaves. The name rhododendron comes from the Greek words for rose ( rhodon ) and tree ( dendron ).
Rhododendron Facts for Kids
Description. Rhododendron is a genus of shrubs and small to (rarely) large trees, the smallest species growing to 10-100 cm (4-40 in) tall, and the largest, R. protistum var. giganteum, reported to 30 m (100 ft) tall. The leaves are spirally arranged; leaf size can range from 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) to over 50 cm (20 in), exceptionally 100 ...
Rhododendron
Rhododendron (/ ˌ r oʊ d ə ˈ d ɛ n d r ən /; pl.: rhododendra) is a very large genus of about 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae). They can be either evergreen or deciduous.Most species are native to eastern Asia and the Himalayan region, but smaller numbers occur elsewhere in Asia, and in North America, Europe and Australia. [5]It is the national flower of ...
rhododendron
Rhododendrons are most abundant in the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and the mountains of Malaysia, but they can be found on all continents except Africa and South America. Some treelike species may grow to 60 feet (18 meters). Dwarf forms may be only 4 inches (10 centimeters) high. Shrub forms common in the United States generally reach a height ...
Rhododendron
Rhododendron, meaning "red tree," refers to the red flowers and woody growth of some species, but rhododendrons range in habit from evergreen to deciduous and from low-growing ground covers to tall trees. Some are matlike dwarf species only 10 cm (4 inches) high, such as prostrate rhododendron ( R. prostratum) from Yunnan, China, while ...
The secret world of rhododendrons: a plant more ancient than the
Rhododendrons may be deciduous or evergreen, anything from a tree to a creeping dwarf shrub, with leaves a centimetre to a foot long, and flowers any shade of white, yellow, orange, pink, red or ...
Rhododendron Facts
Rhododendron is a flowering plant that belongs to the heath family. There are more than 1000 species of rhododendron that are native to Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Rhododendron grows in cool climate, on slightly acidic, well-drained soil. It can be found in the mountains, coniferous and temperate forests and tropical rainforests.
About Rhododendrons
Wild rhododendrons are found from sea level to 16,000 feet in elevation, and they occur in a variety of habitats, including alpine regions, coniferous and broadleaved woodlands, temperate rain forests, and even tropical jungle conditions. Rhododendrons exhibit an enormous diversity of size and shape, from prostrate ground covers growing no more ...
Rhododendron
Rhododendron (from the Greek: rhodos, "rose", and dendron, "tree") is a genus of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. It is a large genus with over 800 species. and most have showy flower displays. It includes the plants known to gardeners as azalea, which was once treated as a separate genus. Species of Rhododendron are widely distributed ...
Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are popular woody shrubs grown for their spectacular spring flowers. Within this genus, taxonomists estimate that there are between 800 and 1,000 species. They are native to North America, Europe, Australasia, Asia, southwest China, Tibet, Myanmar, northern India, and New Guinea. In their natural habitats, the plants vary in size from creeping at ground level to 80 feet tall.
Rhododendron, Lali Gurash, National flower of Nepal
The National flower of Nepal, Lali Gurash is one of the most beautiful species of Rhododendron. Found in hilly region of Nepal, it paints the hill red during the blooming season. Apart from it's beauty, the flower is edible and can be made into delicious juice, wine and pickles. Apart from being the national flower of Nepal, the flower is ...
Rhododendron Facts, How to Plant, Grow and Care
Rhododendron trees can grow to 14 m in height and 2.4 in girth. The flowers' colour varies significantly from deep red to pink, purple, yellow and white. The trees can have up to 20 blossoms in one blooming ball. The leaves of the tree are big and leathery and can survive moderate winter conditions without falling.
Rhododendron Plant Care: Growing Blooming Rhododendrons
Make the cuts through the bark only; don't cut into the woody portion of the stem. Make the first slice at the very base of the cutting. Next, dip the base of each cutting 1-1/2 inches deep into a plant rooting hormone powder (rootone), making certain some of the powder gets into the wounds under the bark.
How to Grow and Care for Rhododendron
Nova Zembla Rhododendron (Rhododendron x 'Nova Zembla') is a hybrid evergreen with bright red flowers on a shrub that grows up to 5 feet tall and wide. It is suitable for USDA zones 4-8. Roseum Elegans Rhododendron (Rhododendron x 'Roseum Elegans') is a hybrid that grows 6 to 8 feet in height and width. The large pink-rose flowers ...
rhododendron
Common Name: rhododendron. Family Name: Ericaceae. Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen. Key ID Features: Leaves alternate, usually leathery, mostly elliptic, 2-20cm long x 1-7cm wide, petioles 5-20mm long; flowers up to 5cm wide; corolla deeply 5-lobed, stamens 10. Habit:
Rhododendron: National Flower of Nepal
In Nepal, the rhododendron holds not only botanical significance but also cultural and economic importance. The national flower, Rhododendron arboreum, locally known as Lali Gurans, is an impressive tree species that can reach heights of approximately 20 meters. The brilliance of its red flowers makes it a striking feature of the Himalayan flora.
How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons need direct sunlight to ensure their flowering. All rhododendrons require at least some direct sunlight each day to ensure the flowering is prolific. Some rhododendron species can tolerate full sun, where some do best in full shade. Rhododendrons need some sunlight to have strong and prolific blooms.
USDA Plants Database
Rhododendron L. - rhododendron P: Rhododendron L. rhododendron. Images. Click on the carousel image to display a larger version (if available). ... Value Class Food Cover; High: Average 25-50% of diet: Regular source of cover: Low: 5-10% of diet: Infrequently used as cover: Minor: 2-5% of diet: Sparsely used as cover:
Bioactive compounds, health benefits and utilization of Rhododendron: a
The Rhododendron distributed throughout the world is a small evergreen tree with deep red or pale pink flowers, belongs to the family Ericaceae and is known for its spectacular flowers. The species is widely distributed between the latitudes 80°N and 20°S with high socioeconomic reverence and has been designated as the national flower of Nepal and state flower of Himachal Pradesh (India). In ...
The genus Rhododendron: its classification and synonymy
classification of the Vireya group of rhododendron (ericaceae) L. Craven L. Goetsch B. Hall Gillian Brown. Biology, Environmental Science. 2008. A new classification of the Vireya group of Rhododendron, based upon their evolutionary relationships as inferred from analysis of nuclear and plastid DNA sequence data, is presented. Rhododendron….
Nepal's Magnificent Rhododendron
Of the over thirty species of Rhododendron in Nepal the most renowned is Rhododendron arboreum, known as Gurans in Nepali. There are extensive and magnificent Rhododendron arboreum forests throughout the country ranging in elevation from around 1,400 to 3,600 meters. Starting at elevations of around 1,400 meters the flowers are a vibrant red.
RCMG
Publication of the taxonomic revision of genus Rhododendron began in 1980 with Volume 39 No. 1 of the Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.This brought into use the current classification with which we are now familiar, commencing with the lepidote species of Subgenus Rhododendron and followed by Volume 39.2 in 1982 with the elepidotes of Subgenus Hymenanthes.
An updated review of the genus Rhododendron since 2010: Traditional
Introduction. Rhododendron, the largest genus of Ericaceae, consists of approximately 1000 species that are widely distributed in Europe, Asia and North America.According to the Flora of China, there are 571 species of Rhododendron in China, which are traditionally divided into eight subgenera (Fang et al., 2005). With a large number of new species reported, approximately 600 species of ...
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PSEB Class 10 Model Paper 2024-25. For Class 10 students, maths, science, and language subjects are compulsory papers, and thus teachers emphasise them more.

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