Contents
Description
Rhododendron Royal Lodge is a stunning evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. This plant is native to the Himalayas and can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It is a hybrid of Rhododendron ‘Fabia’ and Rhododendron ‘Ginny Gee’. The plant has large, glossy green leaves that are oval-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The leaves are also thick and leathery, providing a lush appearance to the plant. The blooms are deep pink in color and can grow up to 3 inches in diameter. The flowers are funnel-shaped and have frilly edges, making them a sight to behold.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Rhododendron |
Appearance
Rhododendron Royal Lodge is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The plant has large, glossy green leaves that are oval-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The leaves are also thick and leathery, providing a lush appearance to the plant. The blooms are deep pink in color and can grow up to 3 inches in diameter. The flowers are funnel-shaped and have frilly edges, making them a sight to behold. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer, adding a burst of color to any garden.
Care Guide
Rhododendron Royal Lodge requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: Rhododendron Royal Lodge requires moist soil. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing the plant in the fall, as this can lead to new growth that is susceptible to winter damage.- Soil: Rhododendron Royal Lodge requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be acidic, with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. Be careful not to expose the plant to too much direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf burn.- Hardiness Zones: Rhododendron Royal Lodge is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like most plants, Rhododendron Royal Lodge is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to look out for:- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant.- Lace bugs: These pests can cause yellowing leaves and black spots on the plant.- Phytophthora root rot: This disease can cause the plant to wilt and die.- Powdery mildew: This disease can cause a white powdery substance to form on the leaves.To prevent these issues, make sure to keep the plant healthy and stress-free by providing proper care.
Habitat
Rhododendron Royal Lodge is native to the Himalayas and is used to growing in cool, moist environments. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun and requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Rhododendron Royal Lodge tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, but it prefers partial shade to full sun.
Q: What type of soil does Rhododendron Royal Lodge require?
A: The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and acidic, with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0.
Q: When should I fertilize Rhododendron Royal Lodge?
A: The plant should be fertilized in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that Rhododendron Royal Lodge is susceptible to?
A: Some common issues include spider mites, lace bugs, Phytophthora root rot, and powdery mildew.
Related Plants
– Rhododendron ‘Fabia’- Rhododendron ‘Ginny Gee’- Rhododendron ‘Nova Zembla’- Rhododendron ‘Roseum Elegans’- Rhododendron ‘Scarlet Wonder’
References
– American Rhododendron Society. (n.d.). Rhododendron Royal Lodge. Retrieved from https://www.rhododendron.org/descriptionS_new.asp?ID=73- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Rhododendron Royal Lodge. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=262936&isprofile=0&pt=2- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Rhododendron Royal Lodge. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/45291/Rhododendron-Royal-Lodge/Details
