How big does Rhododendron grow?

About 1.5 m × 1.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 1–3 m × 1–3 m.

What soil does Rhododendron grow in?

It tolerates these soils: acidic.

Is Rhododendron hardy?

Hardy down to -26 °C (USDA zone 5, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Rhododendron be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Rhododendron flower?

Flowering: April–June, white, pink, red, purple, yellow, orange.

How much water does Rhododendron need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Rhododendron cost?

It sells for roughly €5.90 to €65 in local shops, depending on size.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron × hybridum

Rhododendron (Rhododendron × hybridum) is a shrub that reaches 1.5 m × 1.5 m after ten years. Light: part shade. Hardy down to -26 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €5.90.

Illustration of Rhododendron — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A large evergreen shrub with leathery leaves that covers itself in ball-shaped flower trusses in May, in white, pink, red, purple or yellow. Plant it only if you can give it what it demands: acidic (pH 4.5 to 6), humus-rich soil that stays moist yet drains well, soft water (rainwater), filtered light or morning sun, and shelter from hot sun and drying wind. In limy or neutral garden soil it yellows and dies within a few years, so there try it only in a raised acidic bed filled with lime-free material, in a tub, or as a cultivar grafted on a lime-tolerant (Inkarho) rootstock. It roots shallowly: do not plant deep, do not hoe underneath, and mulch thickly with conifer bark. When choosing, look at final size and hardiness: the old tall cultivars (such as 'Cunningham's White', 'Nova Zembla', 'Roseum Elegans') reach 2 to 3 metres and are the toughest, while Yakushimanum hybrids are dense bushes of 1 to 1.5 metres suited to small gardens and tubs.

Watch out for

Across most of Central Europe the soil is limy, tap water is hard and summers are hot and dry: in such places a rhododendron does not survive without a prepared acidic bed and rainwater. The first sign is iron chlorosis (yellow leaves with green veins), and hard tap water raises the pH of an acidic bed year after year. It does well only in cooler, more humid regions with acidic soil. In summer drought it drops next year's flower buds, in hot sun the leaves scorch, and in winter frozen soil combined with wind and sun dries out the foliage (water on frost-free winter days too). In waterlogged soil it is killed by root and crown rot (Phytophthora). Buds can turn brown and black and stay on the bush (bud blast). Adult vine weevils notch the leaf edges and their grubs eat the roots, mainly in tubs. In sunny, dry spots lace bugs suck the leaf undersides, leaving the upper surface speckled yellow. Powdery mildew and scale insects also occur.

Key facts

Light: Part shade
Water need: High
Care: High
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -26 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, white, pink, red, purple, yellow, orange

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	1–3 m × 1–3 m
Hardiness	down to -26 °C (USDA 5, RHS H7)
Soil	Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	April–June, white, pink, red, purple, yellow, orange
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	High
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	120 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €5.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
under 30 cm	approx. €15
30-60 cm	approx. €22
60-100 cm	approx. €65
size not stated	approx. €5.90 – €59

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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