Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum)

🌱

☀️

Sunlight Partial shade to filtered sunlight; avoid intense midday direct sun which can scorch leathery leaves

💧

Watering Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot

🌡️

Temperature Hardy to -15°C; prefers cool moist conditions; avoid prolonged temperatures above 28°C

🔍

Leaf: Thick, leathery dark green evergreen leaves (7–20 cm long) with fuzzy pale undersides
Flower: Clusters of pink to rose-pink funnel-shaped blooms (3–5 cm wide) with spotted throats
Stem: Woody branching stems with rough grayish-brown bark on mature plants

🛠️

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Apply slow-release acidic fertilizer once. Use fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, diluted to half strength to avoid overfeeding

Pine needle tea：Steep dried pine needles in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to maintain acidic soil pH without introducing pests

Pruning

Remove spent flower clusters after blooming to encourage new growth and prevent seed production
Thin overcrowded branches in late winter to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Prune back dead or damaged stems to healthy wood in early spring before new growth emerges

⚠️

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed toxic; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias

Humans: Ingestion of leaves/flowers can cause nausea, vomiting, and cardiac irregularities in large quantities

📖

Culture: Symbolizes resilience and native beauty in Pacific Northwest landscapes

Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; nectar source for native bees and hummingbirds