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Plant profile

Rhododendron

Quick facts

Botanical name: Rhododendron spp. (includes azaleas). In SAF's language of flowers, rhododendron means beware.

Pink and purple florist azalea in bloom

Rhododendron at a glance

Meaning
beware
Colors
  • Pink
  • White
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Lavender
  • Orange
  • Coral
Vase life
Grown as a plant, not usually sold cut.
Season
Spring (azaleas around April, rhododendrons later); florist azaleas sold year-round, especially at holidays.
Also called
Azalea, Rosebay

Pet safety

Rhododendron and azalea are toxic to dogs, cats and horses; all parts contain grayanotoxins and are poisonous to people too.

About rhododendrons

Evergreen or deciduous shrubs, typically 6 to 10 feet, with leathery leaves and rounded trusses of bell- or funnel-shaped flowers 1 to 3 inches across. Compact azaleas are sold as flowering potted plants.

Caring for rhododendrons

Also called: Azalea, Rosebay. Evergreen or deciduous shrubs, typically 6 to 10 feet, with leathery leaves and rounded trusses of bell- or funnel-shaped flowers 1 to 3 inches across. Compact azaleas are sold as flowering potted plants.

Florist azalea: bright indirect light; check daily and keep soil moist but not wet, watering the root medium not the foliage; no fertilizer while blooming; blooms 2-4 weeks (SAF azalea page). Garden: acidic, moist, well-drained soil in dappled shade.

Questions about rhododendrons

What does the rhododendron mean?

In the traditional language of flowers, the rhododendron stands for "beware".

What colors do rhododendrons come in?

Rhododendrons come in pink, white, red, purple, lavender, orange and coral.

How do you care for rhododendrons?

Florist azalea: bright indirect light; check daily and keep soil moist but not wet, watering the root medium not the foliage; no fertilizer while blooming; blooms 2-4 weeks (SAF azalea page). Garden: acidic, moist, well-drained soil in dappled shade.

Are rhododendrons safe around pets?

Rhododendron and azalea are toxic to dogs, cats and horses; all parts contain grayanotoxins and are poisonous to people too.

Where can I buy rhododendrons?

From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.

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