Summary
How to Grow Rosebay Rhododendron
Luxuriant and bold, rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) is a stunning broad-leaved evergreen for the garden or naturalized in the woodland landscape. This multi-stemmed, upright spreading shrub can grow 10-15′ tall and wide under ideal conditions. In early summer, mature branches produce large clusters, or trusses, with up to 25 white to pale pink flowers. Rosebay rhododendron prefers filtered to partial shade, and can tolerate close to full shade. It prefers soils that are consistently moist, but they should be well-drained to prevent instances of root rot. In clay-heavy areas, planting in a raised bed should be considered. Site in an area protected from winter winds and away from other shrubs that may encroach into the area of the shallow, fibrous root system. It grows well with Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), pinxterbloom azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides), and wild ginger (Asarum canadense). Zones 3-7.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub - Sun/Shade Conditions
filtered-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
evergreen - Soil Moisture
evenly-moist-to-average - Flowering Period
early-summer - Soil PH
acidic - Flower Color
lavender, pink, white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Other Common Names
Great laurel, Wild rhododendron, Rosebay rhododendron, White laurel, Rosebay - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
Flora of North America, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Missouri Botanical Garden