{"id":26185,"date":"2021-07-13T01:22:14","date_gmt":"2021-07-13T05:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/?p=26185"},"modified":"2023-06-19T01:31:33","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T05:31:33","slug":"20-the-most-beautiful-rhododendron-species-and-varieties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/20-the-most-beautiful-rhododendron-species-and-varieties\/","title":{"rendered":"20 The Most Beautiful Rhododendron Species And Varieties"},"content":{"rendered":"

The plant genus of the rhododendrons is particularly rich in species and diversity. We will show you the most popular and beautiful rhododendron species and varieties.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every rhododendron lover is probably aware of the enormous variety of rhododendrons ( rhododendrons<\/em> ). The genus belongs to the heather family<\/em> (Ericaceae) and includes well over 1,000 species worldwide with countless different varieties. So that you can keep track of things, we have compiled the most beautiful rhododendron species and varieties for you below. Before that, however, we would like to share some exciting insights into the rhododendron and its numerous species with you.<\/p>\n

Rhododendron: origin and characteristics<\/h2>\n

The geographic distribution of the rhododendron is spread over large parts of the world. Small dwarf gardens are found in sub-polar climates, tree-sized plants are typically found in tropical and subtropical areas. But not all rhododendron species are suitable for cultivation in our home garden. Most of the rhododendron cultivars common today come from Southeast Asia. In nature, they occur primarily on moist, very humus-rich soils and prefer slightly acidic conditions.<\/p>\n

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But there are also native rhododendrons in Germany. The rust-leaved alpine rose ( Rhododendron ferrugineum<\/em> ) and the lashed alpine rose ( Rhododendron hirsutum<\/em> ) can be admired in the southern Alps, for example. In the past, a distinction was made between the genus of the rhododendrons and that of the azaleas. In the meantime, however, the azaleas are also counted among the rhododendrons, as there are great similarities between the two.<\/p>\n

The most popular group of rhododendrons is that of the large-flowered hybrids, which can grow to be several meters high and are often planted as privacy screens. Among the azaleas, the Knap Hill hybrids are the favorites, closely followed by the Japanese azaleas. There are also the not-hardy indoor azaleas (Rhododendron simsii<\/em> ), which are very attractive as indoor plants with their flowering in winter.<\/p>\n

With so many species and varieties, it’s hard to keep track of them. We will briefly give you the most important rhododendron species again.<\/p>\n

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Rhododendron species: the most beautiful species<\/h2>\n

The taxonomic classification of the rhododendrons is relatively difficult. For one thing, there is an incredible number of species worldwide that have never been named according to a uniform system. On the other hand, new breeds are constantly creating a steady stream of great new varieties. The most common method for the taxonomic classification of rhododendrons is currently that of Chamberlain. We’ll give you a brief overview of some of the well-known species:<\/p>\n

Japanese azaleas<\/strong> ( Rhododendron molle<\/em> subspec . Japanicum<\/em> ): Also known as Azalea Mollis or garden azalea. The group includes different inter-species hybrids with similar characteristics. Most of them are R. obtusum hybrids.<\/p>\n

This evergreen group loses smaller to larger parts of its leaves in winter, depending on the temperature, and usually has a beautiful red autumn color. In summer the leaves are green above and blue below. The compact growing azaleas reach a height of about one meter and are therefore particularly suitable for rock gardens, as grave plants, or as container plants. From May to June the plants impress with a veritable sea of small, pink-red flowers. Sunny to partially shaded locations are tolerated. The following varieties belong to the species of the Japanese azalea:<\/p>\n