Woody > Rhododendron > Rhododendron carolinianum > Rhododendron carolinianum
Rhododendron carolinianum
Carolina Rhododendron
Origin: Found in south-western North Carolina, south-eastern Tennessee, north-eastern Georgia and north-western South Carolina. Was introduced into cultivation in 1815.
Mike's
Opinion
"
An excellent border plant and if grouped properly can create a beautiful focal point in most gardens. Protect from winter sun and strong winds. Soil must be acidic. Mulch after planting and supercharge before winter and protect from snow build up.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Ericaceae |
| Genus |
| Rhododendron |
| Species |
| carolinianum |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Shrub (evergreen) |
| Pronunciation |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 4-8 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -29 - (-34) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| -20 - (-30) |
| Height |
| 10-12 m |
| Spread |
| 5-8 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Broad leaved evergreen, slow growing dense globular shape; leaves aromatic if bruised. White to light rose coloured flowers. |
| Landscape |
| Often used in borders or planted in groups or masses. Try to plant in mildly shaded areas and out of winter sun and windy areas. |
| Cultivation |
| Be sure when planting to mulch an adequate area around the site. The rhododendrons require acidic soil to flourish. |
| Shape |
| Small, globe like form. Commonly loose and open in the wild |
| Growth |
| Slow |
| ID Characteristic |
| Leaves are narrow 5-7 cm long and 1-4 cm wide, petiole is .5-1 cm long and when the leaf if bruised releases an aroma. |
| Pests |
| Botryosphaeria canker, crown rot, dieback, dampening off, Japanese beetle, giant hornet, azalea leaf tier, Asiatic garden beetle, lace bugs, rhododendron aphids, powdery mildew, rust, azalea stem borer, leaf scorch, shoestring root rot and shoot blight. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Deep to dark purplish red during summer months, becomes lighter over winter. Older wood is greyish brown. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Yellowish flower buds are 2 -3 times the size of vegetative buds. Vegetative buds measure .5-1 cm. |
| Leaf Description |
| Alternate arrangement, simple, narrow 5 -7.5 cm long, 1-4 cm wide. Elliptical shape: dark green surface, scaly underside. The petiole is .5- 1cm long, aromatic and when bruised. |
| Flower Description |
| 4-10 flowered colour forms from pure white to light rose.7.5 cm in diameter. Blooms in mid-May to early June. |
| Fruit Description |
| Dehiscent 5-valved capsule, recommended that flowers be removed after they have finished to avoid seed set. Fruit vary in size .5cm-1cm and are greenish red. |
| Colour Description |
| Dark green in the summer, deep purple leaves in winter months. Bark is a lighter purple over winter months but becomes dark purplish red in the summer months. |
| Texture Description |
| Medium to coarse all year. |
| Propagation |
| Growing from seed requires minimal effort. Cuttings are relatively difficult to root however, if treated with hormone and fungicide will give a reasonable percentage of success if done in late summer . Plant in shady area with acidic soil, avoid windy areas. |
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