Rhododendron Rhododendron Bloombux = 'Microhirs3' (PBR) (Inkarho)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Hard-care
rhododendron [Bloombux]

ABOUT

The Rhododendron Bloombux is a compact and evergreen shrub characterized by its dense, glossy, dark green foliage which provides a lush background to its vibrant floral display. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and have a leather-like texture, which adds to the plant’s ornamental value year-round. When it blooms, it produces an abundant array of flowers that are typically a vibrant pink, adding a burst of color to gardens and landscapes. These flowers are funnel-shaped and are arranged in clusters that cover the plant, creating a striking and cheerful display. The plant’s overall appearance is quite neat and tidy, with the flowers contrasting beautifully against the dark leaves, making it a popular choice for both formal and informal garden settings.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Synonyms

      Bloombux, Inkarho Rhododendron, Dwarf Rhododendron

    • Common names

      Rhododendron Bloombux = 'Microhirs3' (PBR) (Inkarho)

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Rhododendrons are toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains grayanotoxins which can affect the body's sodium channels and lead to poisoning. Symptoms of rhododendron poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), abdominal pain, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to cardiac problems, coma, and even death if not treated promptly.

    • To pets

      Rhododendrons are also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Similar to their effects on humans, ingestion of any part of the rhododendron plant can lead to poisoning in pets due to grayanotoxins. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, ingestion can cause seizures, coma, and cardiac failure, which could lead to death. Prompt veterinary care is essential if a pet has consumed any part of a rhododendron plant.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Evergreen

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Pink

    • Height

      2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

    • Spread

      2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

    • Plant type

      Shrub

    • Hardiness zones

      5-8

    • Native area

      Asia

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Compact Size: Suitable for small gardens or limited spaces.
    • Attractive Foliage: Glossy leaves provide year-round interest.
    • Vibrant Flowers: Boasts beautiful pink flowers in late spring and early summer.
    • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established.
    • Hardy Plant: Tolerates cold weather and can survive in various climates.
    • Resistant to Pests: Less prone to diseases and pest infestations.
    • Adaptable to Soil: Can thrive in acidic soils due to Inkarho rootstock technology.
    • Good for Borders: Ideal for use as a border or low hedge.
    • Wildlife Attraction: Attracts bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Privacy Screening: Rhododendrons can be planted in a row to create a natural privacy screen that adds beauty and color to landscaping borders.
    • Color Accent in Gardens: The bright blooms of Rhododendrons can serve as a focal point to draw attention and complement other garden plants.
    • Slope Stabilization: Their root systems can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and hilly areas of a landscape.
    • Bonsai: Some gardeners use Rhododendrons for bonsai due to their attractive foliage and flowers.
    • Cut Flowers: Though not common, Rhododendron flowers can be used for short-lived cut flower arrangements.
    • Living Fence: When grown tightly together, Rhododendrons can form a living fence that delineates property lines or garden areas.
    • Sound Barrier: A thick hedge of Rhododendrons can help reduce noise pollution by absorbing and reflecting sound waves.
    • Windbreak: These plants can act as a windbreak to protect more delicate plants and reduce wind speeds in gardens.
    • Wildlife Shelter: Provides habitat and shelter for birds and beneficial insects within a garden ecosystem.
    • Pottery Decoration: Flowers and leaves of Rhododendrons can be used to create botanical imprints in clay for pottery decoration.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Rhododendron is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Rhododendron is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Caution or Danger: Rhododendrons can be toxic if ingested and because of this, they sometimes symbolize caution or taking care.
    • Elegance and Wealth: The Rhododendron's lush, full blooms are often associated with elegance and sophistication, and have been linked to notions of abundance and prosperity.
    • Temporality: As Rhododendrons typically bloom for only a short period, they can symbolize the transient nature of life and the beauty of fleeting moments.
    • Homecoming and Hospitality: In certain cultures, Rhododendrons signify a warm, welcoming feeling, representing an invitation to return home or a friendly gesture.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    Rhododendrons should be watered thoroughly once a week during the growing season, and the frequency should be adjusted depending on the weather, with more frequent watering during hot, dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It's essential to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water directly at the base of the plant. Use enough water to soak the root zone, which typically means applying about one gallon of water for each foot of plant height.

  • sunLight

    Rhododendrons thrive in spots with dappled sunlight or partial shade; they can be sensitive to harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves. The ideal location for a Rhododendron Bloombux would be in an area that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or underneath the canopy of lightly branched trees where they can receive filtered sunlight throughout the day.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Rhododendrons do best in moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 80°F. The ideal temperature range for the Rhododendron Bloombux is between 50°F and 75°F. They can withstand occasional temperature extremes outside this range but require protection from hot and cold weather stresses.

  • scissorsPruning

    Rhododendrons typically require little pruning, but shaping and removal of dead or diseased branches can be done just after flowering to maintain plant health and appearance. Pruning in late spring allows time for next year's buds to develop. Occasional thinning may be necessary to enhance airflow, which helps prevent disease.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Rhododendrons require acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-6.0. An ideal mix for Bloombux would be a blend of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage and aeration. Regularly check soil pH to maintain acidity for optimal health and flowering.

  • plantRepotting

    Rhododendron Bloombux should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the new soil before winter.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Rhododendrons prefer moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40% to 60%. Bloombux will thrive in these conditions if kept away from dry, hot environments and is sheltered from strong winds that can lower humidity.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.

    • Outdoor

      Shelter from strong winds, partial shade, ensure acidic soil.

    • Hardiness zone

      5-8 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Rhododendron Bloombux begins its life cycle from seed germination, which requires a warm, moist environment to occur. Once the seeds sprout, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants with their first leaves, establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where it develops its distinctive evergreen foliage and strong stems. The next phase is the flowering stage, typically occurring in spring, when the plant produces its characteristic colorful blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, Rhododendron Bloombux then enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, conserving energy for the following growing season.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring to Early Summer

    • The Rhododendron Bloombux, a popular ornamental shrub, can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is usually done in late summer when the new growth has begun to mature and the stems are not yet fully hardened. To propagate, select a healthy, disease-free branch and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) section just below a set of leaves. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and insert it into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage and aeration. The cutting should be kept in indirect light and maintained at a consistent humidity level by covering with a plastic bag or a propagation dome. Over a period of weeks, the cutting will develop roots and can eventually be transplanted into the garden.