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Rhododendron ponticum Roseum

Rhododendron ponticum Roseum
Pontic Rhododendron

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The plant is sick. I doubt it will survive.

Franck, 14/04/2024

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More information

An impressive Black Sea Rhododendron in terms of its development, as it can reach a height of 5m (16.4ft) under favourable conditions. In May-June, it displays a beautiful pink flowering, well highlighted by its dark evergreen foliage. This large bush grows in partial shade in acidic to neutral soil and likes coolness. Ideal for forming the background to a group of acid-loving plants, it withstands cold temperatures in most parts (-15 °C (5°F)) and can even become invasive. 
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
4.50 m
Spread at maturity
3.50 m
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -18°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time February to April, September to October
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

The Rhododendron ponticum 'Roseum' is a variety of Black Sea Rhodendendron with beautiful pink flowering. It is a plant of large development, capable of reaching the size of a small tree under favourable conditions. This Pontic Rhododendron forms an imposing mass of vegetation in all seasons with its dark green evergreen foliage. It is a very structured subject for a mass of ericaceous plants, with which it shares its requirements. An acidic or neutral, moist yet well-drained soil, and a semi-shaded exposure are favourable to its growth.

The Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, which includes about a hundred genera, such as popular heathers, blueberries or strawberry trees, and others less known such as the beautiful flowering Kalmias, the delicate bell-shaped Enkianthus or the vibrant autumn colours of Oxydendrum. These plants prefer acid soils devoid of chalk, and humid climates.

The Rhododendron ponticum is a botanical species with large development originating from the Iberian Peninsula (southwest Spain and southern Portugal) as well as Turkey. Its distribution range extends to Georgia and Lebanon. It is present on the shores of the Black Sea, where it is endangered and in Portugal where efforts are being made to reintroduce it. In its original regions, the Pontic Rhododendron grows in wooded and often mountainous areas, up to 2,500m (8,202ft) in altitude. Introduced to the United Kingdom and Europe where it has been frequently planted in gardens, parks, and even directly in forests to promote game, the Rhododendron ponticum type has naturalized to the point of being classified today as a non-native invasive species harmful to local flora and fauna. This phenomenon is mainly observed in acidic soils and mild and humid climates such as those found in Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Normandy, Aveyron, Charentes. This species has been crossed with others to produce some of our most beautiful and resistant rhododendrons, without invasive characteristics.

'Roseum' is a form with pink flowers that is just as vigorous as the species. Its generous pink to purplish-pink flowering is imbued with romantic charm. and occurs in May-June. At the end of the branches, clusters of 10 to 15 trumpet-shaped flowers measuring 5cm (2 in) in diameter appear. Devoid of fragrance the flowers are still nectar-rich, attracting bees. After pollination, woody capsules form containing a multitude of fine seeds dispersed by the wind. The dark green leaves measure from 10 to 15cm (3.9 to 5.9in) long and persist throughout winter. When planted in a bright exposure, this shrub adopts a dense habit, while in a shaded situation it will be slightly gangly, giving it a more wild appearance. The low branches of this Rhododendron root when they touch the ground, through a phenomenon of spontaneous layering. It will reach a height of about 4 to 5m (13.1 to 16.4ft) and a width of 3.5m (11.5ft) when fully grown. While it prefers acidic and sandy soils (pH between 4 and 6), the 'Roseum' Pontic Rhododendron is relatively tolerant and will accept loamy or neutral soils. Highly resistant to cold (down to -15°C or 5°F), it also tolerates heat well but dislikes dry soils, especially when young. Its root system remains shallow and doesn't like competition from other plants.

This splendid Rhododendron ponticum Roseum is undeniably a beautiful semi-shade shrub. It can be used in the back of a border, in the company of other ericaceous plants that will be enhanced by its dark foliage. A beautiful Hamamelis 'Jelena' with its orange winter spider-shaped flowers and its shimmering autumn-coloured foliage will be a perfect neighbour for this Rhododendron. The Japanese Andromeda, of medium size, with its white bell-shaped flowers and its red young shoots, will be a good candidate to plant in front of the Rhododendron, as well as the numerous varieties of Kalmia (mountain laurel). And at their feet, a carpet of 'Boskoop' heathers will bring brightness to the border with their golden foliage.

 

Rhododendron ponticum Roseum in pictures

Rhododendron ponticum Roseum (Flowering) Flowering
Rhododendron ponticum Roseum (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 4.50 m
Spread at maturity 3.50 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal
Suckering/invasive plant

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Corymb
Flower size 5 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Rhododendron

Species

ponticum

Cultivar

Roseum

Family

Ericaceae

Other common names

Pontic Rhododendron

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference1001972

Planting and care

Plant Rhododendron ponticum 'Roseum' in a semi-shade exposure, or morning sun or even in shade in warm climates, protected from cold and drying winds, in moist, humus-rich and light soil, acidic, neutral or even slightly alkaline. It does not tolerate strongly alkaline soils or heavy soils saturated with water in winter, and it dislikes dry soils, especially when it is young. However, it can tolerate hot summers. Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-alkaline water and plant the bush at the collar level, in a mixture composed of 1/4 organic matter, leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist in summer.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow root system. Therefore, they are sensitive to long periods of drought. That's why a humus-rich soil and abundant watering during dry periods are recommended. In addition, this root system is not very strong, so it is essential to lighten heavy soils with free-draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay pellets) when planting. Place a mulch of shredded pine bark at the base of the bush to keep the soil cool while maintaining an acidic pH. As the bark decomposes, this operation should be repeated every year in spring.

Maintenance consists of cutting off faded flowers in summer, and removing dead branches. Azaleas and Rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils (harmful beetles) that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the notorious "rhododendron beetle" which often does not cause severe damage. However, you can treat them if necessary by choosing a product approved for controlling these insects. Yellowing of leaves (chlorosis) in Rhododendron indicates poor take-up of iron from the soil and can lead to premature death of the plant. While lime is often the cause (in which case, it will be useful to provide iron chelate), poorly drained soil or a deeply planted root ball can also explain the phenomenon. Rhododendron ponticum also suffers from Phytophthora, a fungal disease that mainly occurs in both warm and humid soil and poorly drained soil.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time February to April, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Border, Back of border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -18°C (USDA zone 7a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 3 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Well-drained, lightweight

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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