Rhododendron edgeworthii

RHS Plant Profile
Edgeworth rhododendron

Synonyms

Rhododendron bullatum

Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs

A half-hardy, mid-sized evergreen shrub to 2.5m high, often epiphytic, with ovate, textured dark green leaves, and a fine covering of pale brown hairs on new shoots and the undersides of leaves. Produces small clusters of 2-3 scented, funnel shaped, white to pale pink flowers from deep pink buds in mid spring

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
Himalaya, W China

How to Grow

Cultivation

In mild, frost-free areas, may be grown outdoors in well-drained acidic soil. Position in partial or dappled shade to avoid scorching. In colder areas, may be grown under glass in a free-draining, ericaceous compost mix. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, by layering in autumn, or by grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 8 (evergreens)

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil, whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, lacebugs, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to rhododendron diseases including rhododendron bud blast and rhododendron petal blight, as well as powdery mildews, honey fungus, rust, leafy gall, silver leaf and Phytophthora root and shoot rots