Rhododendrons

Rhododendron are shrubs of the genus Rhododendron which is in the heath family (family Ericaceae) which includes heathers, Kalmia (mountain laurels), blueberries and cranberries. Since almost all of these plants require acidic soil, they are often referred to as the family of acid-loving plants. Rhododendron are found in the wild, chiefly in mountainous areas of the arctic and north temperate zones. They typically have large, shiny, leathery evergreen leaves and clusters of large pink, white, or purplish flowers. North American species include the great laurel, or rose bay (R. maximum), West Virginia's state flower; and the Western rhododendron (R. macrophyllum), Washington's state flower. Azaleas are in the same genus. Most cultivated rhododendrons are hybrids that are propagated from cuttings or tissue culture. Rhododendron are referred to as the King of Shrubs since they are regarded by many as the best flowering evergreen plants for the temperate landscape.

Rhododendrons are magnificent shrubs that can reach tree-like proportions. They form great pillows of colour as branches become obscured by a profusion of beautiful flowers.

They are found growing all over the world. In fact, the only areas where rhododendrons do not occur in the wild are Africa and South America. The different species range from enormous trees that reach up to 30m (100ft) tall, with leaves up to 90cm (3ft) long, through to alpine shrubs only 2.5cm to 5cm (1in to 2in) high.

Grown in Britain since the 18th century, it wasn't until the 1900s that rhododendrons became widely known. Breeding work first began in the Victorian era and one of their earliest successes was the beautiful crimson-flowered R. arboreum. In a bid to improve the hardiness of this tender variety from India, breeders began crossing it with other species. The brightly coloured varieties that resulted from this and the crosses of other rhododendrons that followed soon became very fashionable.

Over 900 species of rhododendrons are now known to exist. Most modern gardeners, however, tend to grow the varieties, of which there are now more than 8,000, and not the species.

Hybrids bred from the dwarf Rhododendron yakushimanum are known as yaks. In addition to these, there are many other dwarf rhododendrons that are perfect for smaller gardens.