President Roosevelt Rhododendron Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' (v)
ABOUT
The Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' is an attractive plant renowned for its striking foliage and beautiful flowers. The leaves are particularly distinctive, with a variegated pattern that includes a bright yellow or cream-colored area along the midrib, contrasting with the dark green edges of the leaves. This variegation adds year-round interest to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom. When it comes to flowers, this rhododendron puts on a spectacular display. The blossoms are clustered in large, showy trusses that can create a vibrant visual impact. Each individual flower is funnel-shaped and can be described as having a rich, crimson or deep pink color with a smattering of darker spots on the upper petals. These vividly colored flowers are a favorite among gardeners and can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. Overall, the Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' is a captivating specimen with its combination of unique variegated foliage and dazzlingly bright flowers. It stands out in ornamental gardens with its color and form, offering visual appeal across seasons.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
President Roosevelt Rhododendron, Variegated Rhododendron
Common names
Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt'
ToxicityTo humans
Rhododendron is toxic when ingested by humans. All parts of the plant contain substances known as grayanotoxins, which can affect the body's sodium channels and lead to poisoning. Symptoms of rhododendron poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, and if ingested in large enough quantities, can be fatal.
To pets
Rhododendron is also toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle, grayanotoxin, affects pets in a similar way it does humans. Ingesting even a few leaves can cause serious symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness, and collapse. Severe poisoning can lead to coma, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death, especially if not treated promptly by a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: The Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' offers showy, tricolored flowers that add a striking visual appeal to gardens during the blooming season.
- Landscape Design: Its vibrant foliage, with a unique variegation of yellow and green leaves, provides a colorful contrast in landscape designs and mixed borders.
- Habitat Support: It provides food and habitat for various pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant is capable of growing in partial shade, offering flexibility in garden planning for shaded areas.
- Erosion Control: The shrub’s root system helps with soil stabilization and can prevent erosion on slopes.
- Seasonal Interest: With evergreen foliage, the Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' provides year-round interest and color in the garden.
- Screening: When planted in groups, it can serve as a natural privacy screen or windbreak.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting natural dyes – The leaves of Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, producing unique and organic colors.
- Educational tool – The distinct variegation of the leaves can serve as a great example in educational settings to discuss genetic mutations and plant variegation in botany classes.
- Horticultural art – Skilled gardeners can train and prune this Rhododendron to create living sculptures in fanciful shapes, which can be displayed in botanical gardens.
- Photography subject – Due to its vibrant flowers and foliage, it serves as an excellent subject for nature photographers and botanical illustrators.
- Erosion control – This Rhododendron, like other shrubs, can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion in gardens and landscaped areas.
- Privacy screening – The dense growth habit of the Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' makes it suitable for use as a natural privacy screen in residential gardens.
- Culinary decoration – Although not for consumption, the flowers can be used to garnish plates and add an elegant touch to fine dining presentation.
- Holiday decor – The bright foliage and flowers can be incorporated into seasonal wreaths and floral arrangements for holidays and special events.
- Microclimate creator – When planted in groups, these Rhododendrons can create a microclimate for shade-loving understory plants in a layered garden design.
- Theme gardens – This variety can be featured in a presidential-themed garden, alongside other plants named after presidents or historical figures.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rhododendron, commonly associated with caution and beware in Feng Shui practice due to its toxic nature, is not typically employed to enhance Feng Shui within a home or garden.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rhododendron is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Caution: Rhododendron, including the 'President Roosevelt' variety, represents caution due to its toxic leaves and nectar that can be harmful if ingested.
- Beware: Similar to caution, rhododendrons are often a sign to beware, enforcing their toxic nature which requires careful handling.
- Elegance: The 'President Roosevelt' rhododendron, with its vibrant flowers, is symbolic of elegance and a refined beauty that stands out in gardens.
- Abundance: The lush growth and abundance of flowers found on rhododendrons can represent growth, abundance, and prosperity.
- Survival: Rhododendrons are hardy plants that can survive harsh conditions, symbolizing the human ability to endure and overcome difficulties.
WaterRhododendrons, including the Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt', require watering that keeps the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time, which roughly translates to about 0.5 gallons for each square foot of soil surrounding the plant. During periods of high heat or dry spells, increase the frequency to twice a week. In contrast, reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant and the soil retains moisture longer. Always check that the top couple inches of soil are dry before watering again to prevent overwatering.
LightThe Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' thrives in conditions with partial shade to filtered sun. It is best to place it in a spot where it can be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. Early morning sunlight or dappled shade beneath tall trees is ideal for this rhododendron, as it provides the necessary light without the intensity of full sun.
TemperatureThe Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' prefers moderate temperatures and can generally survive in conditions as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, should be avoided to ensure the health and longevity of the plant.
PruningThe Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' should be pruned to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning is best done just after the blooming has finished, as this variety tends to bloom on the previous year's growth. It's also a good opportunity to remove any sparse or leggy stems to encourage denser growth. Typically, annual pruning is sufficient unless additional shaping is required or damage occurs.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Rhododendron, commonly known as 'President Roosevelt', thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. A good soil mix for this plant can be made by combining one-part peat moss, one-part pine bark, and one-part perlite or coarse sand. This mix ensures proper drainage and maintains a acidic pH which is crucial for the health of 'President Roosevelt' rhododendrons.
Repotting'President Roosevelt' Rhododendron typically requires repotting every 2-3 years. It's best to repot in the early spring just before new growth begins, using an acidic soil mix suitable for rhododendrons. Care should be taken not to damage the delicate root system during the process.
Humidity & Misting'President Roosevelt' Rhododendron prefers moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. In areas with drier air, providing additional humidity through the use of a pebble tray or humidifier can be beneficial for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Partial shade, protect from harsh winter winds, keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' begins with seed germination, where the seed must be in a moist, well-drained medium with some acidity for successful growth. Upon sprouting, the seedling goes through a juvenile phase, growing slowly as it develops a root system and foliage. As it matures into an adult plant, the rhododendron exhibits rapid growth, producing its distinctive leaves and woody stems. The plant then enters a reproductive phase, typically in spring, where it produces vibrant, multicolored flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, it develops seed capsules which eventually dry and release the seeds, completing the life cycle. Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' may also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings, allowing for faster reproduction and genetic consistency, bypassing the seed stage.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt' can be propagated effectively by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is during the late summer, as this is when the new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. To propagate, select healthy shoots from the current year's growth and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) segment just below a node. Remove the lower leaves to expose a few inches of the stem and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting into a mixture of peat and perlite, ensuring that the node is beneath the surface, and maintain consistent moisture and warmth. A plastic cover can help to retain humidity. Root development can take several weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before eventual transplanting.
