Rhododendron

Your stunning flowering shrub is a Rhododendron. As plants, many kinds of these showy evergreen shrubs are grown in various parts of the country. It is a genus of 500-900 species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. Some can reach the height of 80 ft and some can creep at ground level so you see them as prostrate shrubs. In order to help with identification they have been divided into 5 groups. They are grown for their showy flowers and beautiful array of colors. They like moist, well drained acidic soil. Shallow planting is essential in that they will not tolerate deep planting. Most like dappled shade in sheltered conditions. They do not tolerate heat well so you see them in the northern, cooler climate regions.