Great Rhododendron
Rhododendron maximum
Also listed as Rhododendron ashleyi, Hymenanthes maxima
Also known as Great Laurel, Rosebay, Rosebay Rhododendron
Climate Match for your location
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A large evergreen shrub prized for its large, glossy leaves and clusters of pink to purple flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It thrives in cool, moist woodland conditions and is the largest-leafed native rhododendron in North America.
Why grow it
Great rhododendron is the largest-leafed native rhododendron in North America and blooms later in the season than many ornamental relatives, extending the flowering period in woodland gardens. It outperforms smaller rhododendron species in shaded, moist sites with acidic soil and offers reliable evergreen structure. Compared to non-native cultivars, the species is better adapted to cool, humid eastern woodlands and supports native pollinators.
Watch out for
The shallow fibrous root system requires mulching and benefits from high planting of the root ball, but avoid cultivating soil around the plant. It is susceptible to Phytophthora root rot in poorly drained soils, so good drainage and restraint with watering and fertilizer are essential. Deer browse the foliage regularly, and the plant can suffer leaf scorch from afternoon sun exposure in warmer climates.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A large evergreen shrub prized for its large, glossy leaves and clusters of pink to purple flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It thrives in cool, moist woodland conditions and is the largest-leafed native rhododendron in North America.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Great Rhododendron grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Great rhododendron is the largest-leafed native rhododendron in North America and blooms later in the season than many ornamental relatives, extending the flowering period in woodland gardens. It outperforms smaller rhododendron species in shaded, moist sites with acidic soil and offers reliable evergreen structure. Compared to non-native cultivars, the species is better adapted to cool, humid eastern woodlands and supports native pollinators.
Watch out for
The shallow fibrous root system requires mulching and benefits from high planting of the root ball, but avoid cultivating soil around the plant. It is susceptible to Phytophthora root rot in poorly drained soils, so good drainage and restraint with watering and fertilizer are essential. Deer browse the foliage regularly, and the plant can suffer leaf scorch from afternoon sun exposure in warmer climates.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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