Rhododendron Saint Tudy is a stunning evergreen shrub that features large and showy flowers. It is a hybrid plant that is a cross between Rhododendron ponticum and Rhododendron ‘Catawbiense Boursault’. The plant is known for its hardiness, vibrant blooms, and easy care requirements. It is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add color and texture to their landscape.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Rhododendron |
Appearance
The Rhododendron Saint Tudy can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It has a dense and bushy growth habit with dark green leaves that are up to 6 inches long. The plant produces large clusters of blooms that can be up to 5 inches in diameter. The flowers are funnel-shaped and come in shades of pink, purple, and white. The blooms are fragrant and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant blooms in the late spring and early summer.
Care Guide
The Rhododendron Saint Tudy is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:
- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so make sure it gets enough water. During dry spells, water the plant deeply once a week.
- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers dappled shade or filtered sunlight. It can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
- Hardiness Zones: The Rhododendron Saint Tudy is hardy in zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Rhododendron Saint Tudy is susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Lace bugs: These insects feed on the plant’s sap, causing yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Bud blast: This fungal disease causes the buds to turn brown and fall off. Remove infected buds and use a fungicide to prevent its spread.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. Improve drainage and reduce watering to prevent it.
Habitat
The Rhododendron Saint Tudy is native to the United Kingdom. It grows best in cool and humid environments with acidic soil. The plant can be found in gardens, parks, and natural habitats such as woodlands and moorlands.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Rhododendron Saint Tudy?
A: The plant prefers moist soil, so make sure it gets enough water. During dry spells, water the plant deeply once a week.
Q: When does the Rhododendron Saint Tudy bloom?
A: The plant blooms in the late spring and early summer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Rhododendron Saint Tudy?
A: The plant is hardy in zones 6 to 9.
Q: What is the best soil for the Rhododendron Saint Tudy?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0.
Related Plants
- Rhododendron ‘Nova Zembla’
- Rhododendron ‘Boule de Neige’
- Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’
- Rhododendron ‘Scarlet Wonder’
- Rhododendron ‘PJM’
References
- ‘Rhododendron Saint Tudy’ – Royal Horticultural Society
- ‘Rhododendron’ – Missouri Botanical Garden
- ‘Rhododendron Saint Tudy’ – The Spruce
