Rhododendron 'Mrs Davies Evans'
ABOUT
The Rhododendron 'Mrs Davies Evans' is distinguished by its attractive flowers and foliage. This variety typically boasts large, showy blooms that are shaped like trumpets. The blossoms tend to be a soft, pastel pink with some variations that may include lighter or darker shades, and they often have a deeper pink to reddish-brown marking on the inside. Each flower cluster, or truss, is a rounded arrangement of several individual flowers that create a stunning display during the blooming season. The leaves of 'Mrs Davies Evans' Rhododendron are thick, leathery, and evergreen, providing year-round interest. They have a glossy finish with a rich green color that contrasts beautifully with the pink of its flowers. The overall shape of the plant is rounded or mounded, giving it a dense, lush appearance. The foliage arrangement is quite compact, with the leaves often whorled at the branch ends, providing a layered look. This variety may produce a substantial number of flowers, which gives it a very full and abundant presence when in bloom. The blossoms' delicate appearance coupled with the dense, verdant foliage makes the 'Mrs Davies Evans' Rhododendron a popular choice for landscapers and gardeners looking to add a touch of romance and classic beauty to their garden displays.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rhododendron, Azalea.
Common names
Rhododendron 'Mrs Davies Evans'.
ToxicityTo humans
Rhododendron is known to be toxic to humans if any part of the plant is ingested. All parts of Rhododendrons contain various toxins, but the most notable are grayanotoxins. Symptoms of Rhododendron poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, central nervous system depression, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of plant material consumed.
To pets
Rhododendron is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Like in humans, the entire plant contains grayanotoxins, which can lead to poisoning if ingested. Symptoms in pets can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, inappetence, leg paralysis, coma, and potentially death. Even a small amount of Rhododendron material can cause adverse effects, so any consumption by pets warrants immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Rhododendron 'Mrs. Davies Evans' is known for its stunning flowers which add color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant's flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, aiding in the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in the spring, offering seasonal interest and variety throughout the year.
- Habitat Support: Provides shelter and nesting sites for various species of birds and insects.
- Privacy and Screening: Can be used in hedges or as a screen plant to provide privacy due to its dense foliage.
- Erosion Control: The roots help stabilize soil on slopes, reducing the risk of erosion.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden styles, including formal, woodland, and shrub borders.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Rhododendrons require minimal care beyond occasional pruning and mulching.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: Rhododendron can be used as a beautiful backdrop for portrait photography due to its lush, vibrant flowers.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers can be cut and used in bouquets or indoor floral arrangements to bring a splash of color to interior spaces.
- Culinary Garnish: While not all Rhododendrons are edible, those that are known to be non-toxic can be used to garnish food plates for a decorative touch.
- Dye Production: The flowers of some Rhododendrons can be used to produce natural dyes for textile coloring.
- Educational Use: Rhododendron plants can be used in botanical gardens and educational programs to teach about plant biology and horticulture.
- Insect Habitat: Offering shelter to beneficial insects, Rhododendrons can play a role in supporting local biodiversity.
- Aromatic Sachets: Dried Rhododendron petals can be used in potpourri or sachets to provide a natural fragrance to drawers and wardrobes.
- Land Art Material: Artists may use the varied forms and colors of Rhododendrons in creating temporary, site-specific land art installations.
- Crafting: Dried flowers can be incorporated into handmade paper or used in crafting decorations like wreaths and centerpieces.
- Privacy Screening: Dense Rhododendron hedges can be cultivated to create a natural privacy screen in gardens and landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rhododendron is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rhododendron is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beware: Rhododendrons often symbolize caution or danger due to the plant's toxicity. Ingesting parts of the plant can be harmful, so they are sometimes used to convey a warning.
- Elegance and Wealth: The Rhododendron, with its lush, vibrant blooms, is frequently associated with sophistication and affluence. It may be gifted to represent these qualities or to wish someone prosperity.
- Rejuvenation: As many species of Rhododendron bloom in the spring, they are associated with new beginnings and rejuvenation, symbolizing a fresh start or a renewal of life.
- Passion: The intense and vivid flowers of the Rhododendron can symbolize passion, whether it is in love, one's life pursuits, or creative endeavors.
- Homecoming: In some cultures, the Rhododendron is symbolic of a relaxed and comfortable environment, often suggesting a welcoming atmosphere much like one would find in a happy home.
WaterRhododendrons, including the 'Mrs. Davies Evans' Rhododendron, require consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. They prefer well-draining soil as standing water can cause root rot. Water them deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water which usually equates to around 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During hot or dry spells, increase watering to twice per week. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
LightRhododendrons like 'Mrs. Davies Evans' thrive in partial to full shade, though they can tolerate morning sun. An ideal spot is one where they are protected from the harsh afternoon sun. They benefit from dappled sunlight that filters through a canopy of trees, which replicates their natural growing conditions under forest canopies.
TemperatureThe 'Mrs. Davies Evans' Rhododendron is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, but they prefer a temperate climate. They can usually survive minimum winter temperatures down to 20°F but not temperatures much below zero°F. Ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 70°F during the active growing season. They may require protection from frost and extreme winter temperatures via mulching or windbreaks.
PruningPruning 'Mrs. Davies Evans' Rhododendrons is often done for shaping or to remove dead and diseased wood. Pruning is best done soon after the blooming cycle completes, usually in late spring or early summer, as pruning too late can remove the next year's buds. Cut just above the growth joints to encourage new growth and maintain a compact form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRhododendrons, including 'Mrs Davies Evans', thrive in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 to 6.0. A mix of 50% peat moss, 30% pine bark, and 20% perlite or coarse sand is ideal for ensuring proper aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingRhododendrons like 'Mrs Davies Evans' typically require repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when they become root-bound. It's best to repot in early spring or fall, avoiding the flowering period.
Humidity & MistingRhododendrons such as 'Mrs Davies Evans' prefer moderate to high humidity levels, around 40-60%. They benefit from a humid environment but can tolerate lower humidity levels if they have sufficient soil moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Partial shade, protected from harsh afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleRhododendron 'Mrs Davies Evans' starts its life as a seed, germinating in moist, well-drained soil under partial shade, requiring a period of stratification to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, it progresses to a seedling stage, developing roots and shoots, and over several years, it grows into a young plant with its characteristic large, glossy evergreen leaves. As it matures, the rhododendron enters a vegetative state, during which time it builds up energy and mass through photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. It reaches reproductive maturity within a few years and annually produces clusters of large, showy flowers, usually blooming in late spring to early summer. After pollination by insects, the flowers develop into dry seed capsules that release seeds, thus perpetuating the cycle. In ideal conditions, this rhododendron can live for many years, sometimes decades, growing slowly and expanding its reach through new shoots from the base of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rhododendron 'Mrs Davies Evans', commonly known as a type of Azalea, is most successfully propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is best performed during the late summer, allowing the cuttings to establish roots before the dormancy period in winter. To carry out this propagation, select healthy, disease-free stems and take cuttings that are about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can enhance the rooting process. The prepared cutting should then be inserted into a well-draining rooting medium like a mix of peat and perlite. Maintaining a consistently moist environment and providing indirect light will help encourage root development over the course of several weeks.
