Rhododendron lapponicum

Common Names

Lapland Rosebay, Lapland Rhododendron, Azalea Ferruginosa, Azalea Lapponica

Summary

Lapland rosebay is a circumpolar, subarctic evergreen shrub with a dwarf habit, prostrate to erect and often rhizomatous. Leaves are small, 0.4–2.5 cm long and 0.2–0.7 cm wide, coriaceous with abaxial broad-rimmed glandular-peltate scales; inflorescences are fasciculate racemes of 3–6 flowers; corollas violet-rose to purple (sometimes white), broadly funnel-shaped, about 6.5–14 mm; flowering occurs in spring–summer; native to Arctic and alpine tundra in North America, Europe, and Asia, occupying rocky barrens/heaths, raised beach ridges, and sandy stream banks.

Cultivation notes: grows best in humus-rich, lime-free soils with pH 4.5–5.5; tolerates sun or shade, with more shade in warmer climates; prefers woodland conditions due to surface-rooting habit; keep weeded and avoid heavy competition; root ball transplantable; susceptible to honey fungus. Propagation: seed best sown in autumn in a greenhouse with artificial light, surface-sow and keep moist; layering in late July (15–24 months to root); cuttings of half-ripe wood in August in a frame; easy.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-4 feet

Spread

3 ft 3 in-3 ft 3 1/2 in

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2a-6b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial sun.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils

Soil pH

4.5-6.0

Bloom Color

Purple, pink-purple, rose to purple, sometimes white

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate, 0.2-0.2 ft per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Layering, Cuttings, Rhizomes

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, attracts butterflies, attracts other pollinators, attracts birds