Rhododendron insigne
extraordinary rhododendron
A slow-growing, compact, rounded evergreen shrub to 4m high, with stiff, narrowly elliptic, glossy dark green leaves that are silvery underneath. Produces rounded clusters of 8-15 bell-shaped, pale pinkish-white flowers, with rose-pink veining and faint red speckles inside, in late spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Rhododendron can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves, sometimes with a dense colourful indumentum of hairs on the lower side, and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers that may be solitary or in short racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil, in full sun or light shade. Usually compact, but growth may be leggy in too much shade. Choose a site away from frost pockets and sheltered from strong winds. Mulch annually, ideally with leaf mould. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, by layering in autumn, or by grafting in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 8 (evergreens)
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, lacebugs, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to rhododendron diseases including rhododendron bud blast and rhododendron petal blight, as well as powdery mildews, honey fungus, rust, leafy gall, silver leaf and Phytophthora root and shoot rots
Get involved
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