Rhododendron annae
A medium to large size evergreen shrub, usually up to 2m tall but may reach as high as 6m in ideal conditions. Leaves are long, narrow, leathery and dark green. Produces loose clusters of bell-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer, usually white with tints of pink, sometimes with purple spots on the upper petals
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Rhododendron can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves, sometimes with a dense colourful indumentum of hairs on the lower side, and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers that may be solitary or in short racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil, in partial or dappled shade. Choose a site away from frost pockets; although hardy, this species may be more susceptible than others to flower damage from late frosts. Shelter from strong winds, and do not allow plants to dry out. Mulch annually, ideally with leaf mould. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, by layering in autumn, or by grafting in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 8 (evergreens)
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron and azalea whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, Pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, honey fungus, silver leaf and Phytophthora, as well as more specific Rhododendron diseases
Get involved
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