Rhododendron Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer' (G)
ABOUT
Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer' is an ornamental plant known for its vibrant flowers and dense, evergreen foliage. The plant's leaves are thick, leathery, and dark green, arranged in a lush, overlapping pattern that creates a full and bushy appearance. Come blooming season, it produces large, showy clusters of flowers that can vary in color but are often found in shades of yellow with a vivid gold flare. Each flower has a funnel-like shape with gently ruffled edges, contributing to the plant's luxurious aesthetic. The bloom clusters form a striking contrast against the dark foliage, making it a favorite among gardeners. Furthermore, the plant is resilient and quite hardy, allowing it to thrive in various conditions while providing exquisite beauty with its bountiful blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Nancy Waterer Azalea, Nancy Waterer Rhododendron
Common names
Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer'.
ToxicityTo humans
All parts of the Rhododendron, including 'Nancy Waterer', are toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains grayanotoxins which can disrupt sodium channels affecting the skeletal and cardiac muscles, as well as nerve function. Symptoms of rhododendron poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, hallucinations, headache, and weakness. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to a drop in blood pressure, coma, and even death. Immediate medical attention is required if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Rhododendrons are also toxic to pets, with the 'Nancy Waterer' variety included. They contain the same grayanotoxins that are harmful to humans, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, central nervous system depression, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death in pets. Symptoms can manifest within a few hours of ingestion. If you suspect your pet has ingested rhododendron, you should seek immediate veterinary assistance.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its beautiful blooms and striking foliage.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It provides food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, fostering biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: This rhododendron offers seasonal interest with flowers typically blooming in spring.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow in partially shaded areas, making it versatile for different garden settings.
- Privacy Screen: With its dense growth, it can serve as a natural privacy screen or windbreak in landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: It is generally considered low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subjects: Rhododendrons are often used by photographers seeking to capture the beauty of flowers in garden settings.
- Artistic inspiration: Their vibrant colors and lush blooms inspire artists in a variety of mediums, from painting to textile design.
- Botanical studies: Botanists use Rhododendrons to study plant evolution and diversity.
- Wedding decorations: Their showy flowers make them popular for use in wedding bouquets and venue decorations.
- Cultivar development: They are used in horticultural breeding programs to create new varieties with improved traits.
- Privacy screens: When planted in hedges, they can provide privacy to homes and gardens due to their dense growth habit.
- Erosion control: They are effective in stabilizing soil on slopes and preventing erosion.
- Bonsai: Some Rhododendron varieties are suitable for cultivation as bonsai trees.
- Cultural symbolism: In certain cultures, they may symbolize various concepts, such as caution or weariness, adding deep meaning to garden designs.
- Companion planting: They are used in gardens to companion plant with other shade-loving perennials that require similar soil and light conditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRhododendron is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRhododendron is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Caution or Beware: Rhododendrons, including the variety 'Nancy Waterer', can symbolize a warning or caution because some species contain toxic substances that can be harmful if ingested.
- Elegance: The beautiful, showy flowers of the Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer' are often associated with elegance and sophistication, reflecting its visually appealing nature.
- Wealth: Rhododendrons, due to their lush and full blossoms, are sometimes symbolic of abundance and wealth.
- Passion: The intensity of the flower's colors can represent passion and strong emotions, conveying a sense of fervency and zeal.
- Homecoming: In some cultures, the Rhododendron is a symbol of homecoming or a welcoming, likely because of its use in gardens and its inviting appearance.
WaterAzaleas like the Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer' prefer consistently moist soil, which means they should be watered once a week, assuming there isn't sufficient rainfall. During hot or windy weather, you may need to water them twice a week. Use approximately one gallon of water per watering session for each plant to ensure the soil is moist but well-drained, not soggy. Less water may be required during cooler or wetter periods. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to monitor the soil moisture level and adjust accordingly.
LightAzaleas, such as the Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer', thrive in spots with dappled sunlight or partial shade. They can tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade or a location that receives filtered sunlight throughout the day. Direct afternoon sunlight can be too intense and may cause leaf burn, so positioning the plants where they are protected from harsh late-day sun is ideal for their growth.
TemperatureAzaleas like the Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer' do well in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F, which are typical in their growing seasons of spring and fall. They can survive brief dips below this range down to 20°F, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be damaging. Ideal conditions for these plants would maintain a steady temperature within their preferred range, avoiding extreme heat or cold.
PruningAzaleas like Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer' should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is just after the blooms fade in late spring or early summer. Remove any dead or damaged branches, thin out dense areas to improve air circulation, and shape the plant as desired. Pruning should be done annually, but over-pruning can harm the plant's natural structure and flowering potential, so be judicious in removing branches.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRhododendrons, including 'Nancy Waterer', thrive in acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6. A mix of equal parts peat moss, pine bark, and perlite is ideal for potting and ensures adequate drainage and aeration.
RepottingRhododendrons like 'Nancy Waterer' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their current container, ensuring that the soil remains fresh and well-draining to prevent root rot.
Humidity & Misting'Nancy Waterer' Azalea prefers high humidity levels, typically around 50-60%, which can be maintained in indoor environments using a humidifier or by placing the pot on a water-filled pebble tray.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use acidic, well-draining soil; ensure bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Provide part shade, shelter from winds, and acidic soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe life of Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer' begins with germination from seed, but more commonly from cuttings, which root to form new plants. After establishing a root system, the young plant enters a vegetative stage, growing leaves and stems. Once mature, which may take several years, the shrub enters the flowering stage, typically blossoming in the late spring with vibrant pink flowers. Flowers are followed by the development of seed capsules if pollinated. The plant will then enter a period of dormancy in the winter, where growth slows substantially. Throughout its life, Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer' will continue to grow and produce flowers annually, with proper care allowing it to thrive for many decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Rhododendron 'Nancy Waterer', a popular rhododendron variety, is typically propagated through the method of semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from new growth that has begun to mature and harden slightly, usually in mid-summer to late summer. To propagate, a 4 to 6 inch cutting is taken from a healthy section of the plant, ensuring there are at least two or three leaf sets. The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture, such as a blend of peat and perlite. The pot should be placed in a shaded area with high humidity, and it's essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically form within several weeks, after which the new rhododendron plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
