Rhododendron 'Russellianum' (Russellianum Rhododendron)

Botanical Information

FamilyEricaceae
GenusRhododendron
Cultivar'Russellianum'
CategoryPerennials, Woody
TypeTree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen)
OriginHybridized by Russell (1831)

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6 - 9b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone7
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-23.3 - -3.8
Temperature (°F)- 15
Height2 - 10 m
Spread-10 - 25
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA shrub or small tree that grows to 2–10 meters in height, with leathery leaves. Flowers are magenta-rose with crimson flecks and blotch at base.
ID CharacteristicThis plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.
ShapeCompact, upright habit.
LandscapeSuitable for woodland sheltered sites in large gardens or parks. They can also be grown in large containers.
PropagationBy softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in late autumn.
CultivationGrow in high organic, well-drained, acidic soils in full sun to partial shade. Make sure to mulch well to conserve moisture.
PestsSuffers from vine weevils, white fly, scale insects, caterpillars, aphids and honey fungus.
Notable SpecimensNational Trust Trelissick Garden, Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionA smooth reddish brown bark.
Leaf DescriptionElliptic-lanceolate, 15 cm long, medium green above, brown indumentum below.
Texture DescriptionMedium-coarse.

Photographs