Rhododendrons

Rhododendron, evergreen, or deciduous shrubs or small trees. They comprise a very large group of species, almost 1,000 species are known, and over 28,000 named varieties. Azaleas are subgenera of Rhododendron. Azalea is different from Rhododendron by having 5 anthers. The climate needs for varieties are very varied. They are mainly native to Asia, North America, Europe, Russia, Australia, and Greenland. Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal.

Rhododendron is from the Ericaceae family of plants. They can range in size from 1m to 30m tall. Some species have scales or hair underneath their leaves. You can propagate Rhododendron by air layering and stem cuttings. Rhododendron also spread by producing shoots from their roots.

Rhododendron is best planted in acid soils. They prefer well-drained soil as they have fibrous roots. They are susceptible to root rot but they do like moist soil that is well-drained.

They use Rhododendron in traditional medicine. It has anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. Rhododendron is considered edible in Nepal they pickle the flower and also make a juice from it.

Rhododendrons usually require more attention than Azaleas. However, both like the same acid soil, well-oxygenated and rapidly drained. Avoid clay and alkaline soils. They also vary in sun requirement, they like the sun in cooler areas, but ideally, they prefer filtered light in the shade of larger trees.

Rhododendrons do well if fertilized in the growing season. Prune large-flowered Rhododendrons in early spring before bloom. You will sacrifice some blooms but the energy and strength will be diverted to other buds and you will beautiful results.