Rhododendron arboreum

This plant has magnificent trusses of pink flowers in March-April. It has distinctive silvery to red indumentum on the underside of the large leathery leaves. The National flower of Nepal that will become a large tree in time. It makes a majestic plant that has the ability to re-grow from both the base and the trunk after a hard winter's damage. Height 150cm in 10 years.

R. arboreum is the National flower of Nepal that grows into a fine large tree. It makes a majestic plant that has the ability to re-grow from both the base and the trunk after a hard winter. Height 150cm in 10 years, and eventually growing to around 15 metres tall after 100 years. R. arboreum holds the Guinness Record for World's Largest Rhododendron.

Characteristically, as with some species, this plant does need woodland shelter and it does have lovely foliage but you will need to wait about six years before it flowers, we think the wait is worthwhile!

• Recommended for wonderful foliage.
• Easy to grow in mild areas.
• Ideal position: sheltered woodland.
• Habit: tree-like.
• Group: Species Rhododendron.
• Subsection: Arborea.
• Introduction date: pre 1850 (probably 1809).
• Species distribution: Kashmir, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Assam.
• Approximate altitude: 1,200 to 3,350m.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H5.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Seed.

Customer Reviews

Good to know

Species

Species Rhododendrons often have wonderful foliage, but are fairly specialist and are best grown by more experienced gardeners.

These are the plants which were discovered by plant collectors, growing in the wild in the Himalayas and other mountain regions of the world. Being species they do not have the ‘hybrid vigour’ of named varieties, but they often do have great character and interest in flower and foliage. We pride ourselves in one of the best ranges of rhododendron species in the country, and we try to propagate these from recognised good forms. These may be identified by the original plant collector’s seed number, (eg R. denudatum EGM 294) or by a clonal name given to a selected plant (eg R. degronianum ‘Ho Emma’). Many rhododendron species rhododendrons are well worth growing for their foliage alone!

Rhododendrons like moist acidic soil, with good drainage, and plenty of organic matter such as leaf-mould and added ericaceous compost. Species should be given the best planting positions, which are neither too wet nor too dry. Yellow varieties need especially good drainage. For a guide to plant spacing, use the height we give in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Plant no deeper than the top of the rootball, and dig in plenty of good ericaceous compost around the sides. Most species require very little fertilizer and half a teaspoon of slow release feed is sufficient for a 3 litre plant, rising to a tablespoonful for a mature plant. Those in the taliensia and neriiflora subsections are particularly salt-sensitive, and should only be fed with a mulch. Most species in this section are not troubled by deer and rabbits.

Please note: It can take a number of years before some species start to flower, but often you can enjoy some lovely foliage while you are waiting. Flower colour of species can vary considerably from one clone to the next. For example, R. campanulatum can flower from white to pink or deep lilac, and there are selections of R. arboreum ranging from red through pink to white. We aim to supply the best clones possible. Typically, species are not recommended for growing in pots, as it is too difficult to provide the necessary care that they need.

Size Guide

The Basics

Ideal soil

Acidic soil, good organic content, pH 4.5-6.0. Inkarho range of rhododendrons will tolerate soils up to pH7.5

Sun or Shade

Light dappled shade is best for most varieties.

Shelter

Refer to hardiness rating. Give young plants protection.

Site Selection

Avoid close to trees, roots, invasive weeds, walls, hot patios, dry banks and waterlogged soils. Do not use weed matting or stone mulch.

Plant spacing

Use the height shown in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Allow room for plant to fill out. If planting closer for instant impact, be prepared to move plants after a few years.

Compost

• 3 litre pot, dig in 10-20 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 7.5 litre pot, dig in 20-30 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 70-80cm specimen, dig in 60 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 100-120cm specimen, dig in 120 litres of ericaceous compost.

Planting depth

Plant high in the ground, with the top of the rootball visible.

Feeding

Slow-release ericaceous feed recommended in March and straight after flowering.

Mulch

Recommended every few years.

Water

The key ingredient! Keep moist all season, especially the critical time at end of June for flower bud initiation. Tap water is better than no water. Heavy dose at least once per week in dry weather.

Drainage

Ensure good drainage in winter, especially with yellow flowering varieties. Avoid waterlogged sites.

Pruning

Rhododendrons and Camellias: Not normally required. Tidy wayward shoots after flowering.

Evergreen azaleas and Bloombux can be clipped into a low hedge.

Magnolias and Acers: Formative pruning when young to shape into a tree or bush.

Deadheading

Remove old flower-heads, particularly on young or weak plants.

For further advice see here

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