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Rhododendron hybridum hort.

Rhododendron

Common names: Azalea

RhododendronCategory image

This description was machine-translated.

Description

The rhododendron is an evergreen flowering shrub from the heath family (Ericaceae) and is one of the most popular ornamental trees in the DACH region. With its large flower spikes in white, pink, red, purple, or yellow, it provides colorful accents in the garden from April to June. It can be used as a solitary plant, in shrub groups, or as a naturalistic hedge under light trees—especially effective with ferns, hydrangeas, and other semi‑shade perennials. In commerce, almost exclusively hybrids and cultivars are available, such as the lime‑tolerant Inkarho® graft or early‑blooming varieties like 'Praecox'.

Care instructions

Plant your rhododendron in a semi‑shaded location with a humus‑rich, loose, and well‑drained acidic soil—peaty or lime‑rich soils are not tolerated. Water regularly with low‑calcium water, especially during dry periods and on frost‑free winter days, because the evergreen shrub also loses water in winter. After flowering, prune dead flower heads directly below the flower base to promote bud formation for the next year—shaping cuts are rarely needed. A drainage layer when planting helps avoid waterlogging.

Soil & site

LightPartial shade
HardinessHardy

Diseases & pests

6 relevant

From the knowledge base, automatically linked by affected species.

PesthighMar–Oct
Otiorhynchus sulcatus

Otiorhynchus sulcatus

DeficiencymediumMay–Aug
Mangan-Mangel

Mangan-Mangel

DiseasehighApr–Oct
Phytophthora spp.

Phytophthora spp.

DiseasemediumJun–Dec
Pycnostysanus azaleae

Pycnostysanus azaleae

PestmediumJun–Oct
Graphocephala fennahi

Graphocephala fennahi

DeficiencymediumMay–Sep
Wassermangel

Wassermangel

Notes from real gardens

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