Rhododendron praevernum
A slow-growing evergreen shrub, to about 1.5m high in 10 years, with a compact habit and elliptic dark green leaves to 18cm long. Early flowering, producing clusters of up to 15 bell-shaped white or pale pink flowers, with a dark red or purple blotch in the throat, in late winter and early spring
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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 (Central)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil, in dappled or afternoon shade. Choose a site away from frost pockets and sheltered from strong winds. Mulch annually, ideally with leaf mould. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
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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