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Rhododendron eriocarpum 'Queen Elizabeth' (EA)

A vigorous, evergreen azalea forming an upright, bushy shrub to 1.4m. In late spring it produces trusses of open, funnel-shaped pale yellow flowers to 10cm across

Synonyms
Rhododendron simsii 'Queen Elizabeth'

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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. 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

Accepted

Horticultural Group
Evergreen azaleas are compact evergreen shrubs with small leaves and terminal racemes of small, funnel-shaped, usually unscented flowers in early summer

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, leafy, humus-rich soil in part shade in a sheltered position. Flowers may be vulnerable to late frosts. See rhododendron cultivation

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

See pruning group 8

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to Rhododendron disease, rhododendron bud blast, rhododendron petal blight, rust and honey fungus

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