how wide do rhododendrons grow

See more

How much space does a rhododendron need?

2 to 6 feet apartSpace plants 2 to 6 feet apart, depending on their estimated mature size. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2 times as wide. Set new plants so that their top roots are at soil level or slightly below. If you plant them any deeper, the roots may rot.

How far from a house should you plant a rhododendron?

Medium shrubs like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Spirea, Holly and Boxwood go 2.5-3′ from the side of the house.

Do rhododendrons spread?

Rhododendrons grow in all sizes and shapes - from low growing ground covers, to medium-sized shrubs, to tree-size plants. Some varieties naturally have a rounded, ball-shaped plant habit, others are open and spreading, while other rhododendrons have an upright growth habit.

Do rhododendrons come in different sizes?

Rhododendrons come in many shapes and sizes, from the low-growing Carolina (5 to 6 feet tall), to the large native rosebay (20 feet and more). Some varieties are rounded and compact while others have a loose growth habit.

Do rhododendron have invasive roots?

Rhododendrons do not have thick, deep taproots; their roots are fine and grow very superficially. Therefore, they may need reliable moisture to avoid damage from drying out.

How quickly do rhododendrons grow?

Some rhododendrons are slow growers, and will only grow a foot in ten years. Others are faster growing and will grow up to seven feet in ten years. The growth rate is dependent on the unique cultivar that you are actually growing.

Why is rhododendron a problem?

Rhododendron will out-compete many native trees and shrubs and can harbour plant diseases. This leads to reduced biodiversity and can have additional negative implications for some rural livelihoods, for example if rhododendron, poisonous to mammals, invades grazing land.

Do rhododendrons make good hedges?

Rhododendrons are simply fabulous hedging plants. Of course, their aesthetic value is immediately apparent, but as most rhododendron varieties commonly used for hedging will reach an ultimate height of about 2 metres, they make very decent privacy hedges as well.

Can you keep rhododendrons small?

If you choose plants that are the right size to begin with, they are relatively maintenance free. If not, Azaleas and Rhododendrons can be pruned to be kept small. Most varieties can be cut back if they get too large, with the exception of some species with smooth bark which will not regenerate.

How do you spread rhododendrons?

A slit is cut in an area in contact with the soil and the cut is treated with a rooting hormone. Then the cut area will sprout roots. When the roots are developed enough to support the end of the branch, usually in 2 years, the rooted-branch is cut from the parent plant and transplanted.

What is the prettiest rhododendron?

Rhododendron Varieties: 10 Of The Best Azaleas and Rhododendrons For Your Garden1 | Best large Rhododendron variety – Rhododendron catawbiense. ... 2 | Best dwarf Rhododendron – 'PJM' Rhododendron. ... 3 | Best Variegated Foliage – Bollywood Azalea. ... 4 | Best Cold Weather Plant – Northern Lights Azaleas.More items...•

How do you arrange rhododendrons?

1:202:15How to Landscape With Rhododendrons : Garden SavvyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey like partial shade they'll take a little bit of morning Sun. But they like that dappled shadeMoreThey like partial shade they'll take a little bit of morning Sun. But they like that dappled shade area. This is so great to have a flowering shrub that will take shade.

How big do rhododendrons grow?

Rhododendrons are among the first plants to bloom in spring, and they can reach heights of 6 feet or more.

When should I plant rhododendrons?

Rhododendrons are native to the mountainous regions of Asia. They can be found growing in areas as cold as -10°C (14°F) and as warm as +30°C (86°F)...

How quickly do rhododendrons grow?

They will certainly grow fast enough to out-compete other perennials if you don't do anything about it. Rhododendrons are one of the most popular f...

How can I make my rhododendron grow faster?

There are several things that can be done to help the rhododendron bloom more quickly. These suggestions include: Provide ample amounts of fertiliz...

Why is my new rhododendron plant not blooming?

Rhododendrons are very sensitive to cold temperatures and the soil should be kept warm (not too hot). Check for insects or disease that may be caus...

How Fast Do Rhododendrons Grow?

Check your plant and tell us do rhododendrons grow fast? The growth rate of rhododendrons varies depending on the type you are growing.

The Rhododendron Size Categories

As we have learned above, these flower’s growth rate varies depending on their type. Let’s look at different types and their growth rate.

How To Get Your Rhododendrons To Grow Fast

The first time you plant, you have no idea how big rhododendrons get, or maybe you have a slight idea. To get the best of your plant and make them grow fast, use the following tips.

Rhododendron Types

Golden Lights: They require partial shade to full sun, medium moisture, planted on well-draining soil. They can handle extremely cold temperatures that are as low as -35ºF. Their blossoms start as red-orange buds open in early summer to reveal funnel-shaped orange flowers with ruffled edges. The mature plants grow up to about 6 feet.

Final Thoughts

Rhododendrons are some of the most popular garden shrubs with their beautiful explosion of spring flowers. Additionally, they survive all seasons with rich deep-green leaves that add a pleasing color to your garden during winter and autumn.

What is a rhododendron?

This article has been viewed 29,895 times. Rhododendrons are ornamental shrubs with bell-shaped flowers and wide, evergreen leaves. They can be difficult plants to grow as they require specific conditions to flourish. Rhododendrons prefer well-draining, acidic soil and thrive in dappled shade with mild temperatures.

How to grow rhododendrons from cuttings?

1. Buy healthy rhododendron plants or cuttings. When visiting your plant nursery, choose rhododendrons that are a deep green, and avoid yellowing or wilted plants. You can also take stem cuttings from existing rhododendrons and plant them to grow a new plant.

How long does it take for a rhododendron to drain?

If the soil takes between 5-15 minutes to drain, it is suitable for rhododendrons. Pick acidic soil to grow your rhododendron in. The ideal acidity for your soil is 4.5-5.5 pH.

How to plant rhododendrons in the ground?

Set the rhododendron into the hole with its roots at soil level. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep. Set the plant into the soil, positioning it so its roots are approximately at soil level. Planting the rhododendron below soil level can cause root rot.

How to protect rhododendrons from snow?

Rhododendron shrubs need protection from snowfall and cold weather. Wrap your rhododendron branches lightly in burlap and secure it with twine. Plan on wrapping your rhododendron in late autumn before the first frost.

Where do rhododendrons grow?

Worldwide there are hundreds of species of rhododendrons with blossoms in every color in the rainbow. Those native to China, the Himalayas, and Japan impressed early plant hunters with their riot of color and plant breeders have introduced them to this country, adding to the choices gardeners have available.

What is a rhododendron?

R. yakushimanum is a slow-growing species from Japan that is ideal for a small garden. Rhododendrons belong to the Erica family along with plants like heathers and heathers, and cranberries and blueberries.

What family does rhododendron belong to?

Rhododendrons belong to the Erica family along with plants like heathers and heathers, and cranberries and blueberries. All Ericas have very fine, hair-like roots that form densely packed, shallow rootballs that grow as wide as the crown of the plant.

Do rhododendrons need soil?

All rhododendrons need well-drained, loose, friable soil. Their fine roots can’t penetrate heavy, compacted soils. Since they are not tap-rooted they are the first plants to suffer in drought or flood. Before planting dig in lots of humus and compost.

Is an azalea a rhododendron?

Botanically speaking, all azaleas are rhododendrons because they are in the genus Rhododendron but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. Though they look similar, there is one easy way to tell them apart: Azalea flowers have only 5 stamens while rhododendrons flowers can have 10 or more in each blossom.

How much space do you need for a rhododendron?

Ideally, you should give your plants at least two to six feet worth of space all around. If you are planting multiple rhododendrons, you’ll need to make sure that each one has sufficient space not just at the beginning but as the plant grows and its roots spread out beneath the soil.

Where do rhododendrons grow?

This is also why rhododendrons tend to grow quite well in parts of Canada with a similar climate or in hot and humid states within the United States such as Florida. You’ll also want to know which variety of rhododendron you’re dealing with.

How to make a rhododendron grow faster?

To maximize growth and make it go faster, you need to “plot ahead” and plant it in a plot that is already set up to handle a bigger form of the rhododendron than its current state . This can help accommodate the near-infinite growth that rhododendrons enjoy.

How tall is the Rhododendron in Rebeca?

The opening to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebeca features one of the most famous depictions of rhododendrons of all-time as they twist their way around into the Unnamed Narrator’s imagination as she imagines how the famed Manderley estate’s “ Rhododendrons stood 50 feet high .”. The rhododendrons at Manderley itself are no less imposing, ...

How do you know if a rhododendron is growing?

Rhododendron Overview. To know how quickly or slowly you can expect them to grow, you first have to know what you’re working with when growing rhododendrons. They are flowering plants that boast tubular or bell-shaped flowers that are fragrant. Their leaves tend to be on the larger side.

Do rhododendrons need sunlight?

As mentioned above, you also want to make sure that your rhododendrons also have a decent amount of exposure to sunlight. After all, those large leaves and relatively large blooms don’t sustain themselves. They need the help of sunlight to help feed them and keep them healthy.

Can rhododendrons grow to heights?

Some rhododendron shrubs can indeed grow to the massive heights described in the book, while others are more low-growing in nature. Knowing the type you have can help ensure that you are caring for it the right way. You’ll also want to know when the variety in question flowers.

How tall can rhododendrons grow?

Rhododendrons are a members of a very diverse, large group of plants. R. maximum can eventually form sprawling thickets up to 30 feet in height. R. elegans (a common attractive variety with lavender flowers) gets to a maximum of about 15 feet. I bought a house with elegans planted close to the foundation.

What is the smallest rhododendron?

And the smallest and likely most popular selling rhodie is a PJM rhododendron. They're not as big as the others and have gorgeous lavender/purple flowers, and a purply leaf color. They are really popular and sell out fast. Any plant that says "dwarf" means you have to prune it back.

Is a dwarf Magnolia tree shallow rooted?

Even the "Dwarf" evergreen, Little Gem, wants to get to be a sprawling 30 foot tree. Additionally, all Magnolias are shallow rooted. I would not plant them too close to the foundation of a house (been there, done that with one that had to be removed eventually).

What Is A Rhododendron?

The genus Rhododendron includes many different species of ornamental woody plants. There are over one thousand species within this genus.

Are Rhododendrons Slow Growers?

Some rhododendrons are slow growers, and will only grow a foot in ten years. Others are faster growing and will grow up to seven feet in ten years. The growth rate is dependent on the unique cultivar that you are actually growing.

How Much Does A Rhododendron Grow Each Year?

The growth rate of rhododendrons is dependent on the type of rhododendron. Some plants can grow up to two feet per year. Then others may grow much more slowly, at less than an inch per year.

Where Is The Best Place To Plant A Rhododendron?

The best place to plant a rhododendron is in an area where it will get morning sun and afternoon shade.

Do Rhododendrons Grow All Year?

Rhododendrons put out new growth in the spring, after the spring blooms have faded. These leaves are evergreen, and will remain with the plant as long as they are healthy.

How Tall Do Rhododendrons Get?

The height of a rhododendron will depend on the species and variety, the location in which it is grown, growing conditions, and the age of the plant. Some rhododendrons grow for over a century and reach massive sizes in height and width. The largest recorded rhododendron height is over one hundred feet tall.

Growing Rhododendrons In The Landscape

It’s very important to consider the growth rate and potential size of any plantings in your landscape, especially those planted close to your house.