Shop all rhododendron plants
Rhododendrons are a group of acid-loving, spring-flowering shrubs and trees that have long been mainstays of woodland-style planting schemes. They're grown for their abundant clusters of large, showy flowers in shades of pinks, yellows, purples, reds and whites, produced above an impressive structure of spirally arranged large, leathery (typically) evergreen leaves. Generally larger than Azaleas, they prefer a sheltered spot in a moist, acidic soil with dappled shade, protected from cold, drying winds. Rhododendrons are particularly well-suited to informal, woodland-style or naturalistic planting schemes, whilst dwarf alpine rhododendrons are effective as rock garden plants. They're also well-suited to growing in containers in an ericaceous compost and easy to grow providing they're given the right soil and location. Water using rain water where possible, especially in hard water areas where tap-water contains calcium that will neutralise their preferred acidic soil. Shade-loving annuals, such as impatiens, may be planted as a companion to rhododendrons to indicate when water is needed. Dead head faded flowers to encourage a continuous flush of fresh blooms.