Rhododendron minus

Common Names

Piedmont Rhododendron, Carolina Laurel, Dwarf Rhododendron, Carolina Rhododendron

Summary

Rhododendron minus Michx., Piedmont rhododendron, is an evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States with a typical height of 2–5 meters and a spreading habit, bearing elliptic to lanceolate leaves dark green above with dense brown scales beneath and brown-dotted undersides, and dense terminal inflorescences of 5–8 pink to white flowers (often with greenish flecks) that bloom in spring; preferring bright shade and a moisture range from moderately wet to moderately dry, it grows in rocky, gravelly, or sandy loams that are strongly to moderately acidic, and is used ornamentally in woodland landscapes with pollinator value, especially for bees. It has two varieties, var. chapmanii and var. minus; propagation is moderately easy from seed and difficult by cuttings, with seeds sown in sphagnum moss over a 2:1 perlite/peat mix and germinated under mist or in a plastic tent at 45–50°F. The plant is hardy to USDA Zone 5 and RHS H6; shelter from winter ice and wind, annual mulch to buffer temperature, and avoidance of fertilizer salts are advised; all parts are poisonous to humans.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

36-72 inches

Spread

3-6 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, tolerates a few hours of morning sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained, acidic soil high in organic matter

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (excellent drainage)

Soil pH

4.5-6.0, acidic

Bloom Color

Pink to White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Orange, Yellow, Pink

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Medium to slow, southern populations grow faster than northern populations.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees