Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Rhododendron

Species:

Rhododendron cumberlandense

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

6-8 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may, jul

Bloom Colors:

Red

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers organic matter-rich environments

Germination Information