Why a white rhododendron?
White varieties glow in the dim light under tall trees, which is where rhododendrons feel at home. A large white rhododendron may carry trusses of 15 or more flowers, often marked with a gold or green blotch in the throat. The big-leaved hybrids are the ones people mean when they ask about a "rhododendron bush".
Seasons here
Flowering comes in spring, September to November. The buds form the summer before, so a hard prune in late summer or autumn removes next year's flowers. Instead, tidy lightly just after flowering.
Planting recipe
- Aim for gentle morning light, then shade after lunch.
- Dig a wide hole but plant high, with the top of the root ball at ground level.
- Mix in leaf mould and avoid lime and fresh manure.
- Mulch with bark or leaf litter, and water in dry spells.
Cooler gardens such as those in Tasmania, the Victorian ranges and the Blue Mountains are the best match. In hot Sydney basin gardens, plant in a sheltered, moist position and water often.
Pets and honey
Rhododendron contains grayanotoxin, and the ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Reported signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness and in severe cases collapse. Even a few leaves can be dangerous. Call a vet immediately if you suspect ingestion.
White or yellow-white?
True pure whites are rarer than they look in photos. Many "white" cultivars begin pink in bud and open creamy, so check a plant in flower before you buy.
