Rhododendrons and hydrangeas are completely unrelated plants with very different appearances, but they do share some traits in the growing conditions they prefer.
What is the difference between a rhododendron and azalea?
Rhododendrons produce large, bell-shaped flowers in clusters whilst azaleas blooms are smaller and either tubular or funnel-shaped. Both mainly flower in spring but with a growing range of summer flowering varieties now on offer, with “encore azaleas” blooming in early spring then again in the summer.
Where should you not plant hydrangeas?
No hydrangea will do well in HEAVY shade, such as under a shade tree. The blooms will be sparse and will not develop fully. If your landscape is mostly sunny (and hot), you may wish to grow the PeeGee (paniculata) hydrangea, which thrives in all day sun as long as it receives adequate moisture.
What is special about rhododendrons?
The genus Rhododendron encompasses both rhododendrons and azaleas, but unlike most azaleas, most rhododendrons have the advantage of being evergreen, which means their lush leaves have great value in a winter landscape. In early spring, rhododendrons explode with vibrant blooms in a host of colors.
Are rhododendrons related to hydrangeas? – Related Questions
What is the problem with rhododendrons?
These include fungal leaf spots, leaf and flower gall, root rot, oedema, leaf flooding, winter injury, and chlorosis.
Why is rhododendron a problem?
Rhododendron will out-compete many native trees and shrubs and can harbour plant diseases. This leads to reduced biodiversity and can have additional negative implications for some rural livelihoods, for example if rhododendron, poisonous to mammals, invades grazing land.
Are rhododendrons poisonous to touch?
The flowers, leaves and fruits, as well as other parts of the plant albeit in smaller quantities, contain toxic diterpenes. Even contact with the plant can cause skin irritation. Therefore, you should always wear gloves when caring for and planting rhododendrons.
Can humans eat rhododendron?
Ingestion of the “mad honey” is not the only way people have been poisoned by azaleas and rhododendrons. Eating the leaves, nectar, or flowers of the plants can also lead to toxicity. Although rare, serious and life-threatening toxicity has occurred when people intentionally ate the plant.
How poisonous is rhododendron?
Nausea, salivation, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, loss of balance. 100 to 225 grams of azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) leaves must be eaten to seriously poison a 55 lb child.
What is the meaning of rhododendron?
rhododendron. noun [ C ] us. /ˌroʊ·dəˈden·drən/ a large evergreen bush with flat, shiny leaves and bright pink, purple, or white flowers.
Why is rhododendron poisonous to dogs?
Yes, according to the ASPCA, rhododendrons are highly poisonous to dogs, as well as cats and horses. The poisonous compound found in these flowers is a neurotoxin known as grayanotoxin. Grayanotoxin affects the body’s nerve cells, harming the skeletal system and cardiac muscles.
Where is the best place to plant a rhododendron?
The ideal site for planting rhododendrons is semi-shaded to sunny. It must also be sheltered from the prevailing winds, particularly in winter, as rhododendrons are highly prone to wind damage.
Are rhododendrons easy to maintain?
Rhododendrons are undemanding and easy to grow shrubs. Their only essential requirement is acid soil, which is a soil in which the pH is 7.0 or below.
What happens if I don’t deadhead my rhododendron?
If you don’t do this task, your rhody will pump out about the same amount of flowers next spring as it did this year. If your goal is to produce more flowers, deadheading will encourage increased branching, and that usually results in more blooms (note the word “usually”).
Do rhododendrons poison the soil?
So not only does Rhododendron block out life-giving light, but it poisons the soil as well.” Ulster Wildlife Trust. “As well as shading large areas to cut out light for other plants to grow, the bush poisons nearby soil with chemicals that kill other species.” Jenny Fyall, news.scotsman.com.
Do rhododendrons stay green all winter?
Flowering rhododendron and azalea shrubs, both from the genus Rhododendron, have long been mainstays of the garden because their large leaves often stay green through winter, leading into bright clusters of flowers in the spring.
Are rhododendrons OK in full sun?
Rhododendrons will grow nicely in full sun to moderate shade. A few Rhododendron varieties such as Caroline’, ‘Scintillation’, Yakushimanum hybrids, ‘Hong Kong and the hardy varieties from Finland must have some shade in midday or the foliage will yellow or even burn – especially during a hot summer.
Do rhododendrons do better in sun or shade?
Traditional rhododendrons thrive in filtered sunlight and acidic soil. Newer varieties can tolerate a range of sunlight conditions, but always check the plant tag or description when shopping to make sure the plant needs match your garden conditions.
How do you winterize rhododendrons?
This is best accomplished by wrapping the plant in burlap, or enclosing it in a burlap tent. This form of protection will keep the wind and sun off, but will not cut off air flow or trap heat, which can be harmful to the plant.
Should rhododendrons be cut back in the fall?
You can prune a rhododendron almost any time of year without harming it, but the best time is within a few weeks after it has finished blooming, to give it the maximum time to set flower buds for next year.