Is a rhododendron an evergreen plant?
While mountain laurel is an evergreen plant, rhododendron may be evergreen or deciduous shrubs. Many rhododendrons found in gardens are hybrids, but wild rhododendrons can also be found in the United States.
Are azaleas and rhododendrons similar plants?
The cultural requirements of azaleas and rhododendrons are so similar that this 1960 U.S. Department of Agriculture publication treated them together. Wilson, EH; Rehder, A (1921). A Monograph of Azaleas; Rhododendron Subgenus Anthodendron. Publications of the Arnold Aboretum, no. 9. Cambridge: University Press.
How many subgenera does a rhododendron have?
In the later traditional classification, attributed to Chamberlain (1996), and as used by horticulturalists and the American Rhododendron Society, Rhododendron has eight subgenera based on morphology, namely the presence of scales (lepidote), deciduousness of leaves, and the floral and vegetative branching patterns, after Sleumer (1980).
Do rhododendrons have whorls?
Both leaves and branches often appear in whorls. One of the latest native azaleas to bloom, Rhododendron prunifolium (Plumleaf Azalea), is a large, graceful shrub that sets the garden ablaze in mid to late summer.
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Are magnolias related to rhododendrons?
JARS v64n3 - The Magnolias: Companion Plants for Rhododendrons. As a genus of plants magnificent in so many ways and ideally suited to northern temperate gardens, magnolias are star performers as companion plants for rhododendrons.
What is similar to Rhododendron?
Mountain laurel and rhododendron have a similar appearance, which can make identification difficult. Both plants have green and elliptical-shaped leaves. Mountain laurel leaves measure 3 to 6 inches.
Are Rhododendrons and Azaleas from the same family?
But what's the difference between the two? Rhododendrons and Azaleas are both from the Rhododendron family. Rhododendron is a genus (group) of plants with common characteristics, whilst azaleas are a sub-group within this genus, rather than being a genus of their own.
What tree looks like a Rhododendron?
Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron are often confused with one another. They do both grow in abundance here in our Smoky Mountains, and they often grow together. They also look especially similar when they are not in bloom, with their long, dark green leaves.
What plants are in the rhododendron family?
HeathsRhododen...Rhododendron/Family
Is Hydrangea a rhododendron?
Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) and rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) are showy, flowering shrubs that, in some cases, have evergreen leaves. They also share some preferences in terms of growing conditions.
Is Camellia a rhododendron?
Although rhododendrons and azaleas, both in the genus rhododendron, are from a different plant family than camellias, all require similar care and growing conditions in our area.
What is the common name for rhododendron?
AzaleasAzaleas are also rhododendrons. The group of plants commonly called azaleas are actually classified by botanists as belonging to the Genus Rhododendron and the name for each type of azalea has both the word “Rhododendron” and the species name, just as with other rhododendrons.
What is special about rhododendron?
rhododendron, (genus Rhododendron), diverse genus of about 1,000 species of woody flowering plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), notable for their attractive flowers and handsome foliage.
Can a Rhododendron be a tree?
Rhododendron is a genus of shrubs and small to (rarely) large trees, the smallest species growing to 10–100 cm (4–40 in) tall, and the largest, R. protistum var.
Are laurel and Rhododendron the same?
The laurel has the smaller leaves and name. The rhododendron has the larger leaves and the larger name. Speaking of leaves, in cold weather rhododendron leaves droop and curl back.
How do I identify a Rhododendron?
2:504:46Rhododendrons, Identification-Part I - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHas five stamens usually there's five lobes to the to the flower. Well. There are five lobes to theMoreHas five stamens usually there's five lobes to the to the flower. Well. There are five lobes to the rudder dendron flower also but there are ten stamens.
What are the two subgeneras of a rhododendron?
The first two subgenera ( Rhododendron and Hymenanthes) represent the species commonly considered as 'Rhododendrons'. The next two smaller subgenera ( Pentanthera and Tsutsusi) represent the 'Azaleas'. The remaining four subgenera contain very few species.
What is a rhododendron?
Although Rhododendrons had been known since the description of Rhododendron hirsutum by Charles de l'Écluse (Clusius) in the sixteenth century, and were known to classical writers (Magor 1990), and referred to as Chamaerhododendron (low-growing rose tree), the genus was first formally described by Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum in 1753. He listed five species under Rhododendron ( Rhododendron ferrugineum ( type species ), R. dauricum, R. hirsutum, R. chamaecistus (now Rhodothamnus chamaecistus (L.) Rchb.) and R. maximum ). At that time he considered the then known six species of Azalea that he had described earlier in 1735 in his Systema Naturae as a separate genus.
What subgenus is Mumeazalea?
Similarly the single species in monotypic subgenus Mumeazalea ( Rhododendron semibarbatum) was placed in the new section Tsutsusi, subgenus Azaleastrum. Genus Menziesa (9 species) was also added to section Sciadorhodion. The remaining small subgenus Therorhodion with its two species was left intact.
How many varieties of rhododendron are there?
Rhododendrons are extensively hybridized in cultivation, and natural hybrids often occur in areas where species ranges overlap. There are over 28,000 cultivars of Rhododendron in the International Rhododendron Registry held by the Royal Horticultural Society. Most have been bred for their flowers, but a few are of garden interest because of ornamental leaves and some for ornamental bark or stems. Some hybrids have fragrant flowers —such as the Loderi hybrids, created by crossing Rhododendron fortunei and R. griffithianum. Other examples include the PJM hybrids, formed from a cross between Rhododendron carolinianum and R. dauricum, and named after Peter J. Mezitt of Weston Nurseries, Massachusetts.
How many species are there in the rhododendron family?
Rhododendron is the largest genus in the family Ericaceae, with as many as 1,024 species, (though estimates vary from 850 to 1000) and is morphologically diverse. Consequently, the taxonomy has been historically complex.
How tall are rhododendrons?
Rhododendron is a genus of shrubs and small to (rarely) large trees, the smallest species growing to 10–100 cm (4–40 in) tall, and the largest, R. protistum var. giganteum, reported to 30 m (100 ft) tall. The leaves are spirally arranged; leaf size can range from 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) to over 50 cm (20 in), exceptionally 100 cm (40 in) in R. sinogrande. They may be either evergreen or deciduous. In some species, the undersides of the leaves are covered with scales (lepidote) or hairs (indumentum). Some of the best known species are noted for their many clusters of large flowers. There are alpine species with small flowers and small leaves, and tropical species such as section Vireya that often grow as epiphytes. Species in this genus may be part of the heath complex in oak-heath forests in eastern North America.
When was the Rhododendron Society founded?
In the UK the forerunner of the Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group (RCMG), The Rhododendron Society was founded in 1916. while in Scotland species are being conserved by the Rhododendron Species Conservation Group.
What is the color of the magnolia leaves?
Image by Darryl Brooks. Magnolias have a large canopy that dominates the landscape. You can’t help but focus your attention on their huge spread of glossy green leaves, fragrant white flowers, and exotic cones that sometimes fill with bright red berries.
When do magnolias bloom?
Camellias are lovely shrubs with flowers that echo the shape and texture of magnolia flowers, but in a smaller size and wider range of colors. The blossoms appear in late fall or early spring, depending on variety, in shades of white, pink, and red.
Can magnolias grow in shade?
Selecting magnolia companion plants can be a challenge. If you have an evergreen variety, anything you plant under the tree must tolerate the deepest shade. Deciduous varieties have the additional challenge of managing the large, leathery, and sometimes crispy leaves that fall from the tree. If you’re up to the task, deciduous varieties allow you to plant some early spring-flowering plants that like partial or filtered sun beneath the branches.
What is a magnolia tree?
Often considered classic trees and shrubs symbolizing the South, Magnolia is a remarkably diverse genus of plants that includes many species suitable for colder climates. Magnolias are generally known for having large, leathery leaves and impressive white or pink flowers that appear very early in spring—often before the leaves even emerge.
Why are cucumber trees called magnolias?
Cucumber tree magnolia is so named because the fruits look somewhat like that vegetable. This is the most cold-hardy of the magnolias, but while it has the large glossy leaves (up to 10 inches long) and large growth habit of the classic southern magnolias, the greenish, tulip-shaped flowers are much less showy— only about 2 inches across. The fruits that follow the flowers turn from green to red as they mature. This can be a good shade tree or specimen tree for colder climates, provided you are willing to tolerate the mess that goes with the large leaves.
How big are magnolias in the summer?
The elliptical leaves are large and leathery, up to 10 inches long, and the white flowers appearing in mid-summer to early autumn can be as much as 12 inches across. While most magnolias prefer full sun but tolerate some shade, this is a magnolia that actually does best in part shade. Native Area: Southeastern U.S.
How long are big leaf magnolia leaves?
Bigleaf magnolia lives up to its name, producing leaves that can be up to 32 inches long. Like most magnolias, it is normally a deciduous tree, though it can be somewhat evergreen in the warmer zones. The blooms, which normally appear in May, are as much as 10 inches across and are white with purple petal bases.
Where are Kobus magnolias native to?
Kobus magnolia is one of the parent species (Stella magnolia is the other) that together produce the Loebner magnolia. Native Area: Japan, Korea. USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8.
How big are umbrella magnolias?
The umbrella magnolia is named for the enormous shiny leaves (up to 24 inches long and 10 inches across), which droop down around the ends of the branches. This is a multi-stemmed small tree; its native habitat is the understory forests of Appalachia, so this is a plant that does very well in shady locations. The creamy white flowers, 6 to 10 inches across, appear just after the leaves emerge around late spring to early summer. While they're fragrant, they're not particularly sweet-smelling.
What is an anise magnolia?
Anise Magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia) Garden Photo World/Georgianna Lane/Getty Images. The anise magnolia has leaves that look somewhat like those of a willow tree or shrub. They are wider than willow leaves but not as wide as the usual magnolia leaf (another common name is willow-leaf magnolia ).
What is a rhododendron?
Offering a ravishing display in mid to late spring, Rhododendron 'Nestucca' is a compact, evergreen shrub which produces incredibly beautiful domed-shaped clusters of 12 to 15 flowers. Opening from raspberry pink buds, each openly funnel-shaped white flower, up to 5 in. wide (12 cm), is elegantly frilled and lightly spotted with brown in the throat. The luminous blossoms blanket this midseason Rhododendron hybrid in an exceptional floral display and contrast nicely with the excellent foliage of elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves. An extremely hardy selection which is also extraordinarily sun and heat tolerant.
Why are azaleas and rhododendrons together?
Once classified in separate plant groups, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are now placed together in the genus Rhododendron because of their many common characteristics. Gardeners and nurseries continue, however, to make the distinction, referring to each by their common name.
What is Windbeam azalea?
Prized for its compact habit, luminous spring flowers and remarkable cold hardiness, Rhododendron 'Windbeam' is a popular small-leaved deciduous Azalea hybrid. As the leaves emerge in mid spring, abundant ball-shaped clusters of 8 funnel-shaped white flowers, up to 1 in. wide (2.5 cm), tinged with soft apricot, appear at the branch tips, adding elegance and beauty to this early midseason Azalea. After a few days, the blossoms age to white before turning light purplish-pink, with their dorsal lobes slightly spotted red. The foliage of small, rounded, aromatic, olive green leaves turns bronze-green in fall. A very reliable performer, this Azalea is tough, sun and heat tolerant and makes a lovely accent shrub that is pleasing to the eye.
What is the color of azaleas?
One of the first and most beautiful spring-flowering native azaleas to bloom, Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea) is a deciduous, irregular rounded shrub which features trusses of 4 to 8 delicate pink to white, flat-faced flowers on leafless stems, with some prominent spotting in their throat. Blooming in mid-spring, the blossoms appear before the foliage of shiny, dark green leaves emerge. In fall, its foliage turns from bright green to glowing orange and red, igniting the garden with color. A splendid border shrub that is native to the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.
What is a klondyke azalea?
Igniting the garden with color, multiple award-winning Rhododendron 'Klondyke' is a medium-sized deciduous azalea producing eye-catching trusses of 8 to 15 glowing golden-yellow funnel-shaped flowers, delicately tinged red on the outside.
How many roses does a homebush have?
Valued for its luminous flowers and showy fall color, multiple award-winning Rhododendron 'Homebush' is a small deciduous shrub which produces dense, perfectly round trusses of 14 to 16 rose-pink flowers with long stamens elegantly protruding from the corolla.
Is Mary Fleming a shrub?
Ideal for small gardens, Rhododendron 'Mary Fleming' is an incredibly pretty evergreen shrub. It produces an abundance of creamy, wavy edged flowers that are delicately tinged with salmon pink and display a darker pink blotch in their throat. Blooming in mid spring, the blossoms of this early midseason rhododendron cover this dwarf rhododendron in a brilliant color display. They contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of small leaves which emerge with bronze tones, mature to dark green before changing back to rich bronze during the winter months. Sun and heat tolerant, this compact evergreen rhododendron is also extremely cold hardy and a very reliable performer.
Overview
External links
• History of Rhododendron Discovery & Culture
• Rhododendrons from Turkey, Anatolia
• Danish Genebank Rhododendron
• Danish Genebank. Rhododendron in different countries
Description
Rhododendron is a genus of shrubs and small to (rarely) large trees, the smallest species growing to 10–100 cm (4–40 in) tall, and the largest, R. protistum var. giganteum, reported to 30 m (100 ft) tall. The leaves are spirally arranged; leaf size can range from 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) to over 50 cm (20 in), exceptionally 100 cm (40 in) in R. sinogrande. They may be either evergreen or deciduous. In som…
Taxonomy
Rhododendron is the largest genus in the family Ericaceae, with over 1000 species, (though estimates vary from 850 to 1200 ) and is morphologically diverse. Consequently, the taxonomy has been historically complex.
Although Rhododendrons had been known since the description of Rhododendron hirsutum by Charles de l'Écluse (Clusius) in the sixteenth century…
Distribution and habitat
Species of the genus Rhododendron are widely distributed between latitudes 80°N and 20°S and are native to areas from North America to Europe, Russia, and Asia, and from Greenland to Queensland, Australia and the Solomon Islands. The centres of diversity are in the Himalayas and Malaysia, with the greatest species diversity in the Sino-Himalayan region, Southwest China and northern Burma, fr…
Ecology
Rhododendron ponticum has become invasive in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It is an introduced species, spreading in woodland areas and replacing the natural understory. R. ponticum is difficult to eradicate, as its roots can make new shoots.
A number of insects either target rhododendrons or will opportunistically attack them. Rhododendron borers and various weevils are major pests of rhododendrons, and many caterpillars will …
Cultivation
Both species and hybrid rhododendrons (including azaleas) are used extensively as ornamental plants in landscaping in many parts of the world, including both temperate and subtemperate regions. Many species and cultivars are grown commercially for the nursery trade.
Rhododendrons can be propagated by air layering or stem cuttings. They can …
Uses
Rhododendron species have long been used in traditional medicine. Animal studies and in vitro research have identified possible anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities which may be due to the antioxidant effects of flavonoids or other phenolic compounds and saponins the plant contains. Xiong et al. have found that the root of the plant is able to reduce the activity of NF-κB in rats.