Rhododendron Rhododendron (Elizabeth Group) 'Elizabeth'
ABOUT
The Rhododendron 'Elizabeth' is an eye-catching shrub known for its vibrant display of flowers. It blooms with clusters of blossoms that boast a striking reddish-orange hue, which can create a fiery spectacle in the garden when in full bloom. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and often have a waxy texture, adding to the lush appearance of the plant. The foliage of Rhododendron 'Elizabeth' is equally attractive, consisting of glossy, dark green leaves that provide a beautiful contrast to the bright flowers. The leaves are typically oblong, with a smooth, leathery surface and edges that might be slightly curled or wavy. This evergreen foliage remains on the Rhododendron throughout the year, ensuring that the plant retains its appeal even when it is not in bloom. The overall form of Rhododendron 'Elizabeth' is rounded and dense, creating a bushy and compact appearance. Its branches are sturdy and may spread outwards, contributing to the full look of the shrub. When the plant is covered in flowers, it can become a focal point in any garden setting, ushering in a vivid splash of color that can enliven the landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Elizabeth Rhododendron, Elizabeth Azalea.
Common names
Rhododendron 'Elizabeth'
ToxicityTo humans
The Rhododendron, including the 'Elizabeth' cultivar, contains toxic compounds known as grayanotoxins. If ingested by humans, any part of the plant can cause serious symptoms which may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyper salivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, central nervous system depression, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death. It is important to avoid consuming any part of this plant.
To pets
The Rhododendron is toxic to pets as well. Consuming parts of this plant can lead to severe symptoms in animals, which may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and potentially fatal heart arrhythmias. If a pet ingests Rhododendron, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Salmon-pink
Height
4 feet 1.22 meters
Spread
4 feet 1.22 meters
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Elizabeth' rhododendron offers vibrant red-pink flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It provides food and shelter for various species of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil, reducing erosion on slopes and in areas prone to soil loss.
- Privacy Screening: With its dense growth habit, it can be used as a natural privacy screen or hedge.
- Seasonal Interest: It adds year-round interest to gardens with its evergreen foliage and spring blooms.
- Easy Maintenance: Once established, they are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for a variety of landscaping designs including woodland gardens, borders, and as specimen plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The leaves of Rhododendron can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics. The tannins in the leaves can produce colors ranging from cream to yellow-brown depending on the mordant used.
- The wood of Rhododendron is hard and can be carved into small decorative items such as picture frames or jewelry boxes.
- Rhododendron flowers can be pressed and used in botanical art and crafts, preserving their beauty in framed works or handmade paper.
- Dried Rhododendron petals can be used to make potpourri, providing a subtle aroma and a reminder of spring.
- The plant's thick foliage can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds within a garden setting.
- Rhododendron can be used in horticultural therapy programs, as caring for these plants can be therapeutic and rewarding.
- This plant can be used to create natural barriers or privacy screens in landscapes due to its dense growth habit.
- Rhododendron foliage can be used in floral arrangements as a long-lasting green filler to complement flowers.
- The plant can become a collecting hobby, where enthusiasts aim to grow numerous varieties and species of Rhododendron in their gardens.
- Large Rhododendron bushes can be sculpted into ornamental shapes or topiaries for a formal garden appearance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rhododendron is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rhododendron is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Warning: Rhododendron plants, including the 'Elizabeth' variety, often symbolize caution due to their toxicity. Ingesting parts of these plants can be harmful, leading them to represent a warning to be wary of danger in one's surroundings.
- Beware: The same toxic properties that convey a message of warning also communicate the idea of "beware." This suggests that one should be prudent and on guard against threats, both seen and unseen.
- Abundance: With their lush, full blooms, rhododendrons represent abundance and wealth. The 'Elizabeth' variety, with its vibrant blossoms, evokes a sense of profusion and richness.
- Beauty: Rhododendrons are widely admired for their spectacular flowers. The 'Elizabeth' rhododendron, with its beautiful coloration, epitomizes the aesthetic appeal and often symbolizes the concept of beauty in nature.
- Temperance: Because of their vast geographical spread and resilience, rhododendrons can also embody the idea of temperance, signifying the importance of moderation and balance in life.
- Homecoming: In some cultures, rhododendrons are associated with homecoming or returning home. This is because they often bloom around the time of the year when many festivals celebrating home and family take place.
WaterRhododendrons like the 'Elizabeth' require even moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely; however, they also dislike waterlogged conditions. It's best to water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically translates to about once a week during the growing season. Increase watering during hot, dry spells and decrease during rainy periods or in cooler weather. Depending on the size of your plant and the weather conditions, use approximately 1 inch of water, which is about 0.6 gallons per square foot, each time you water.
LightRhododendrons such as 'Elizabeth' prefer partial shade with some protection from harsh afternoon sun. A north-facing or east-facing location that receives dappled sunlight most of the day is ideal for these plants. They can tolerate morning sun, but too much intense light can lead to foliage burn.
Temperature'Elizabeth' rhododendrons thrive best in a range of temperatures and can withstand a maximum temperature of around 80°F during the day and prefer nighttime temperatures that drop to between 50°F and 60°F. They are cold hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 0°F, though protection may be required in the colder zones. Ideal growing conditions maintain a steady temperature within their comfort zone without extreme fluctuations.
PruningPruning of 'Elizabeth' rhododendrons is necessary to maintain plant health by removing dead or diseased wood and to promote a more compact, aesthetically pleasing shape. The best time to prune is just after the blooms have faded in late spring to early summer, giving the plant time to set buds for the following year's flowers. Deadheading spent flowers can also be beneficial to encourage new growth and prevent seed production, which can sap energy from the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRhododendrons, including 'Elizabeth', thrive in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. A mix of equal parts peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal for ensuring proper aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingRhododendrons like 'Elizabeth' typically require repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. However, larger specimens may be repotted less frequently.
Humidity & MistingRhododendrons such as 'Elizabeth' do well in moderate to high humidity environments, ideally between 40-60%. They benefit from additional humidity in dry indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in partial shade with acidic soil and mist regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, mulch well, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleRhododendron 'Elizabeth' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, usually in late spring or early summer, under the right conditions of moisture and temperature. After germination, the seedling emerges and gradually develops into a young plant. With proper sunlight, water, and nutrients, the young rhododendron transitions into the vegetative stage, wherein it increases in size and produces leaves. During the reproductive stage, usually in mid-spring, the plant flowers, displaying vividly colored blossoms that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, completing the sexual cycle, while the plant itself continues to grow and will flower annually. Throughout its lifetime, typically several decades, the rhododendron goes through cycles of growth, flowering, and seed production, entering a period of dormancy each winter before resuming activity in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Rhododendron 'Elizabeth' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is usually carried out in the late summer, after the blooms have faded and new growth has started to mature and become slightly woody. Cuttings, about 4 to 6 inches in length (10 to 15 centimeters), are taken from healthy plants, making sure to include several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The prepared cuttings are then placed in a mixture of coarse sand and peat moss or a well-draining propagation medium, ensuring that the leaf nodes where roots will form are buried. These cuttings require a humid environment to prevent drying out, which can be created by covering them with a plastic dome or placing them in a mist bed. Within a few weeks to months, the cuttings will begin to root and can be transplanted into individual pots for further growth before eventually being planted in the garden.
