Item Tag: Rhododendron maximum

Rosebay Rhododendron, Rhododendron maximum, Shrub Seeds Hardy, Evergreen, Acid Loving, Showy Flowers, Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies, Cold Tolerant The Rosebay Rhododendron grows in woods, often in dense shade, from sea level to 6000 feet in eastern North America from Georgia to Quebec and Nova Scotia. Growing along streams and on moist, rocky wooded slopes, Rhododendron maximum tolerates the low pH associated with damp, shady almost bog-like conditions. The epithet ‘maximum’ refers to the large size of a mature specimen which although normally 15 feet, may become tree-like reaching 40 feet. The plant habit is spreading, broader than tall. The handsome leaves are large, 4 to 12 inches long, glossy dark green, and thinly indumented. The branchlets, petioles, and flower parts are glandular. These glands are quite apparent on the new growth causing it to feel sticky to the touch. The inflorescence (truss) of 15-30 funnel-shaped flowers are presented in upright clusters. The 5-lobed flower is 1 inch long, white to pale pink, occasionally deep pink to rose red in color with yellow-green spotting. Bloom time is late-season with peak being mid-July in northern locations. Hardiness is rated at -15° to -20° F (-25° to -29° C). Rhododendron maximum is one of the easier species to grow from seed and clones can be grafted. Mature plants multiply naturally by layering and can be coaxed into layering easily with a “well dropped brick”. The dense thickets of Rhododendron maximum in the wild is a result of this amazing propagation trait. Those looking for a compact large flowered rhododendron for full sun or windswept areas will be quite disappointed by Rhododendron maximum. However, although its flowers are small and lack fragrance, Rhododendron maximum’s extreme hardiness, late bloom time, dark green foliage, and ability to flower in dense shade makes it a handsome addition to the background of a large woodland shade garden. Leaf: Alternate, evergreen, simple, elliptical, 4 to 10 inches long, pinnately veined, entire margins or slightly revolute, leathery, dark green above and paler with rust-colored hair below. Flower: Monoecious; showy, pale pink or white with a corolla of five rounded petals, occur in large clusters (5 to 8 inches across) in late spring to early summer. Fruit: Red-brown elongated capsule (1/2 inch long), splitting along five lines, containing many tiny seeds, borne in a long-stemmed cluster, maturing in fall. Twig: Stout, yellow-green in color, often with reddish brown hair; vegetative buds are small, appearing enclosed in tiny leaves, ovate shaped flower buds are quite large (1/2 inch), enclosed in green rusty, pubescent scales. Bark: Thin, light brown and smooth when young; broken into thin scales on older stems. Form: A large shrub or small tree with several twisted stems that may form an impassable, dense thicket up to 20 feet tall. Other Names: Rosebay Azalea, Great laurel, Great rhododendron, White laurel Zone: 4 to 6 Growth Rate: Medium Plant Type: Multi-stemmed, evergreen, large flowering shrub Family: Ericaceae Native Range: Eastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to northern Alabama. Height: 8 to 15 feet Spread: 8 to 15 feet Shape: Upright rounded shrub Bloom Time: Late June Bloom Color: Rose-pink, pink margined, or nearly white Flower/Fruit: Individual flowers are 1.5″ across and are borne in crowned clusters of up to 25 flowers Sun: Part Shade Fall Color: Evergreen Drought Tolerance: Low Water: Medium Maintenance: Medium Site Requirements /Soil Tolerances: Best grown in acidic, humusy, organically rich, medium moisture, moisture retentive but well drained soils in part shade. Prefers a sun dappled or high open shade. Tolerates a fair amount of sun in cool northern summers, but leaves may scorch in hot afternoon sun. Plant in a location protected from strong winter winds. Good soil drainage is essential (doesn’t like “wet feet”). Poor drainage inevitably leads to root rot, therefore raised beds/plantings should be considered in heavy clay soils. Shallow, fibrous root systems (do not cultivate around plants) will benefit greatly from a mulch (e.g., wood chips, bark or pine needles) to help retain moisture and stabilize soil temperatures. Roots must never be allowed to dry out. Acidify soils as needed. Culture: Mulch annually with a loose material like pine needles, bark, or chopped oak leaves. Clip off spent flower clusters immediately after bloom as practicable. Uses: Bonsai, Mass, group or specimen. Shrub borders, mixed borders, woodland gardens and shade gardens. Also effective in foundation plantings or as a hedge. Sowing Rhododendron maximum Seeds: For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided. The seeds of Rosebay Rhododendron are extremely tiny. Wear your glasses and don’t breath while handling. Sow indoors under a dome lid and grow light. Germination: Surface sow indoors at 55° to 64°F in acidic potting mix or peat. Keep moist with spray mister.For more information about seed pretreatment and growing trees and shrubs from seed, please download this .pdf:https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2007/08/fcpg018.pdf Germination: Seeds Packets are labeled with seed name and sowing details. Seeds have not been pretreated unless specified in the listing. Seed is not a specific Cultivar (Variety) unless specified in the listing. Due to the many factors involved in successful germination, Seller cannot be responsible for buyers growing methods or mistakes. I have provided what I believe to be a good overview on this page (which you are free to print for further reference), however, it is still recommended to check specialist literature for more details and practices specific to your climate and soil conditions to avoid mistakes in the germination and growing process. 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