GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Rhododendron arboreum

Rhododendron arboreum · Shrub

Hardiness
H4 Hardy — average winter (to −5 to −10°C)
Position
Partial shade
Height × Spread
12–20 m × —
Soil
moist but well-drained, leafy, humus-rich acid soil
Flowering
March–May
Toxicity
Harmful if eaten

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower

Watch out for

Powdery mildew: Tolerate unless severe; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce humidity.

Bud blast: Remove and destroy infected buds promptly if practical; ensure good drainage and avoid late pruning.

Vine weevil: Apply biological nematodes to the soil in autumn or use physical barriers like sticky bands.

Rhododendron leafhopper: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds; use insecticidal soap for severe infestations.

Pieris lacebug: Prune out heavily infested shoots; apply horticultural oil or insecticide if populations are high.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/rhododendron-arboreum © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia