Rhododendron Rhododendron 'Queen Elizabeth II'

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Hard-care
rhododendron 'Queen Elizabeth II'

ABOUT

The Rhododendron 'Queen Elizabeth II' is a stunning plant renowned for its vibrant floral display. The flowers of this Rhododendron are its most striking feature, often coming in a captivating shade of pink that can range from a pale blush to a more intense and luminous hue. The blooms are typically large and showy, with each flower consisting of multiple trumpet-shaped petals that form a rounded cluster at the branch tips. The petals may exhibit a light speckling that adds to their charm. This plant boasts a lush, evergreen foliage that provides a beautiful backdrop for its flowers. The leaves are broad, glossy, and dark green, with a leathery texture and an elongated shape. The edges of the leaves might be smooth or slightly wavy, and they emerge on sturdy stems that can hold up the weight of the blooms. In addition to its enchanting flowers, the Rhododendron 'Queen Elizabeth II' may have a neat and well-structured growth habit, often forming a dense and rounded bush. This compact nature makes it a favorite for adding a touch of elegance to landscapes without requiring a lot of space. Overall, the Rhododendron 'Queen Elizabeth II' has a harmonious balance of spectacular flowers, complemented by its rich, green foliage, giving it a regal and eye-catching appearance that lives up to its name.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Ericaceae.

    • Synonyms

      Queen Elizabeth II Rhododendron, Queen Elizabeth II Azalea.

    • Common names

      Rhododendron 'Queen Elizabeth II'.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Rhododendron, which includes the 'Queen Elizabeth II' variety, is toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains grayanotoxins, which can interfere with sodium channels affecting the skeletal and cardiac muscle. Symptoms of rhododendron poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, abdominal pain, lack of coordination, and, in severe cases, low blood pressure, coma, and even death. It is crucial to avoid consuming any part of the plant.

    • To pets

      Rhododendron is equally toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. Ingesting even a few leaves can cause severe problems due to compounds known as grayanotoxins. Symptoms of toxicity in pets can range from mild to severe and include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and loss of appetite. More serious effects can include depression of the central nervous system, cardiovascular abnormalities, coma, and potentially death if a significant amount is consumed. It is vital to prevent pets from accessing any parts of the plant.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life 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

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Ornamental Appeal: Produces large, showy flowers that enhance garden aesthetics.
    • Landscape Versatility: Can be used in various design settings, including borders, specimen planting, and woodland gardens.
    • Wildlife Attraction: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
    • Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with evergreen foliage and spring blooming.
    • Shade Tolerance: Thrives in partial shade, offering landscaping options for shaded areas.
    • Durability: Generally resilient to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.

  • 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

    • Dye Production: The petals of the rhododendron can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and textiles.
    • Insect Repellent: The natural compounds found within the rhododendron have been known to repel certain insects, which can be helpful in gardens.
    • Art and Craft: The unique shapes and colors of the rhododendron flowers and leaves are sometimes used in botanical art and crafts like pressing flowers.
    • Holiday Decor: During festive seasons, rhododendron branches may be incorporated into wreaths and other decorations for their lush appearance.
    • Culinary Garnish: Though some species can be toxic, edible varieties of rhododendrons may have their flowers used as a colorful garnish for dishes.
    • Photography Subject: Rhododendrons are a favored subject for photographers due to their expansive blooms and vibrant colors.
    • Soil Erosion Control: The dense root system of rhododendron shrubs can help in stabilizing soil on slopes and preventing erosion.
    • Fragrance Extraction: The flowers of certain types of rhododendrons can be used in the production of perfumes and fragrant oils.
    • Privacy Screens: Rhododendron bushes can grow quite large and are often planted as living privacy screens in residential gardens.
    • Bonsai: Some rhododendron species can be cultivated as bonsai, offering a miniature yet realistic representation of a full-sized tree.

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

    • Beware: Rhododendrons often symbolize caution or danger due to certain species containing toxic substances.
    • Elegance: The 'Queen Elizabeth II' variety might evoke a sense of elegance and regal poise, reflecting the dignity associated with its namesake.
    • Wealth: The lushness and large blooms of rhododendron can represent abundance and prosperity.
    • Passion: Some cultures associate rhododendrons with passion due to their vivid and intense flower colors.
    • Homecoming: In certain traditions, rhododendron symbolizes a wish for a safe return or a welcome home.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
5%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    The Rhododendron 'Queen Elizabeth II', commonly known as Azalea, should be watered thoroughly but infrequently, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but during hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Generally, give about one inch of water each time, which is roughly 0.6 gallons for a medium-sized plant. During the winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on the climate and indoor conditions.

  • sunLight

    Azaleas thrive in bright, indirect light with some dappled shade, particularly in the hot afternoons. The best spot is one where the plant can receive morning sun and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense midday sun.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Azaleas prefer a temperature range between 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief exposure to temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal conditions are cool to temperate without drastic fluctuations. Protecting the plant from frost is crucial for its survival.

  • scissorsPruning

    Azaleas should be pruned to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is just after the blooming period has finished, typically in late spring or early summer. Pruning at this time allows the plant to set buds for the next year's flowers. Prune sparingly, as over-pruning can reduce flowering.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Rhododendrons, including 'Queen Elizabeth II', thrive in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. A best soil mix would consist of 50% peat moss or pine bark, 30% perlite or pumice for aeration, and 20% garden soil or compost for nutrient content.

  • plantRepotting

    Rhododendrons such as 'Queen Elizabeth II' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current container. They benefit from repotting in spring before they begin their active growth phase.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    The 'Queen Elizabeth II' rhododendron prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally within the range of 40-60%. Maintaining such humidity is beneficial, especially when grown indoors or in a dry climate.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Plant in acidic soil, moderate humidity, and bright, indirect light.

    • Outdoor

      Place in partial shade, shelter from wind, mulch well, water regularly.

    • Hardiness zone

      5-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The Rhododendron 'Queen Elizabeth II', commonly called Azalea, begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in a moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. After germination, the seedling emerges and enters a juvenile vegetative stage, establishing a root system and producing shoots and leaves. As it matures into an adult plant, it undergoes vegetative growth, developing a robust woody structure and foliage. Once mature, the Azalea enters a reproductive phase, marked by the production of distinctive, often vibrant flowers, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination and fertilization, seeds are formed and enclosed in capsules, which will eventually dehisce, releasing seeds to start a new generation. Throughout its life, the Azalea may undergo periods of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, conserving energy until favorable growth conditions return.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • The Rhododendron 'Queen Elizabeth II', commonly referred to as Azalea 'Queen Elizabeth II', is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is most successful when performed during the late summer, as the new growth starts to harden. To propagate, select a healthy, semi-hardwood stem that is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring it has several leaf nodes. Cut the stem just below a node at a 45-degree angle, strip the lower leaves, and dip the end of the cutting into a rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, water it thoroughly, and provide indirect sunlight, keeping the humidity high until roots develop. This can take several weeks to a few months, after which the rooted cutting can be transferred to a larger pot or planted out in the garden.