$13.00–$120.00
In stockIn stock1
trefle.io · Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Rane (cc-by-sa)
Ericaceae
Great rhododendron
Rhododendron maximum
Also known as Rhododendron maximum f. purpureum, Great laurel, Hymenanthes maxima, Rhododendron maximum f. viridimaculatum
Zones 3–8Sun Partial SunWater ModerateCare Moderate
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Rhododendron · Native Shrub · Evergreen · Ericaceae · Acidic Soil · Woodland Garden · Shade Shrub · Pink Flowers · Appalachian · Large Shrub
Attracts pollinators
Toxicity: dogs, cats, horses — keep out of reach and wear gloves when pruning.
In stock at 1 nurseryStock updated 9/6/2026
Great rhododendron is a magnificent native evergreen shrub known for its large trusses of pale pink to white flowers that bloom in early to mid summer. It thrives in moist, well-drained acidic soil with dappled shade, mimicking its natural woodland habitat along stream banks and mountain slopes. Mulch generously with organic matter to protect its shallow roots and maintain the cool, acidic conditions it requires.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 4 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply to keep soil evenly moist; avoid letting roots dry out completely · Every 7-10 days
- Maintenance
- Moderate
- Soil
- peat
- Soil pH
- 4–5.5
- Temperature
- -40°F to 85°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 3a-8b
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Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 20 ft – 30 ft
- Spread
- 25 ft
- Spacing
- 72 in apart
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Root depth
- Shallow
- Flowers
- Purple
- Foliage
- Green · Coarse
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Sources: trefle, usda
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