What can I plant with a dwarf rhododendron?
Rhododendrons and azaleas can often be found growing under the canopy of oaks or in the shade of pine. These trees also prefer acidic soils, making them ideal companions for azaleas and rhododendron.
Are rhododendrons poisonous?
The toxic component of rhododendrons and azaleas can be found in very high concentrations in honey made by bees that feed on them. Eating the leaves, nectar, or flowers of the plants can also lead to toxicity. Although rare, serious and life-threatening toxicity has occurred when people intentionally ate the plant.
How fast do dwarf rhododendrons grow?
Slow growing with a height 40cm and spread of 50cm in 10 years. Dwarf Rhododendrons don’t mind the sun but they hate too much heat, so do avoid reflected heat from South facing walls and patios, particularly if planting in containers.
What grows well under rhododendrons?
When planting under rhododendrons, you need to choose plants that enjoy shade or filtered light. They should do best in slightly acidic soil that is humus-rich, well-draining, and moist. Some fabulous choices are Astilbes, Primrose, Sweet woodruff, Grape holly, Bleeding heart, and Vinca.
How do you grow a dwarf rhododendron?
Dwarf varieties can cope with positioning in full sun but need evenly moist, well drained soils so keep on top of watering them in the hottest part of summer. Rhododendrons like lots of water and use rain-water if you can – you should particularly avoid tap-water if you live in a hard water area.
Can you keep rhododendron small?
Rhododendrons have no final size and can grow almost indefinitely. 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 poisonous are rhododendron to humans?
100 to 225 grams of azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) leaves must be eaten to seriously poison a 55 lb child. Leaves and flower nectar (including honey made from plant nectar) are sources of the toxin. Toxicity. As little as 3 ml nectar/kg body weight or 0.2% of the body weight as leaves may be toxic or lethal.
Can you grow dwarf rhododendrons in pots?
Growing rhododendrons in containers is relatively easy because they have such shallow root systems. Rhododendrons like moist soil, but their roots will rot easily if they get too soggy, so make sure your container has plenty of drainage holes.
Can I keep a rhododendron small?
Is there a dwarf rhododendron?
Rhododendrons have no final size and can grow almost indefinitely. They range from dwarf, ground-hugging varieties which may reach 16 in. in 10 years (40 cm) to giant tree-like specimens as tall as 20 ft. or more (6 m). Both moisture and the length of the growing season will have a serious impact on their growth rate.
Are Rhododendrons poisonous to other plants?
As far as I understand it, Rhododendrons do not secrete anything that is poisonous or toxic. Nothing will grow beneath Rhododendrons, simply because of the dense shade they create. This will be especially true with groups of Rhododendrons which merge together, and create a dense shade cover over a wide area.