🌺 Rhododendron: Growing Guide
Rhododendron (Rhododendron) grows best in partial shade with regular watering, and does well at −30 to 25 °C (−22 to 77 °F) in soil with a pH of 4.5–5.5. Space plants about 200 cm (79 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Rhododendron |
|---|---|
| Category | Ornamentals |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | Regular |
| Plant spacing | 200 cm (79 in) |
| Soil pH | 4.5–5.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −30 to 25 °C (−22 to 77 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Height | 50–600 cm (20–236 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Watering
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Growing tips
Acidic soil. Toxic to pets. Spectacular blooms. Hybrid Catawbiense.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Rhododendron: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jun. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Rhododendron: how often should I water it?
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Rhododendron: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 200 cm (79 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Rhododendron: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Rhododendron: which plants grow well with it?
Heather, Azalea, Blueberry.
Rhododendron: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Lace bug, Phytophthora.
Plan your garden
Add Rhododendron to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
Open the free planner →