Great Laurel
Rhododendron maximum
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Species:
- Rhododendron maximum
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 20-40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Pink
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Canada: Nova Scotia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers cool, shaded environments
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Mix 0.1-0.2 gram of seed with 4-8 grams of talc and sift over the surface of moist media. Sand was tried but did not mix as well as talc.
Establishment: Most mortality occurs during the slow-growth, 2-leaf period when seedlings can become necrotic and die. Leaves of plants at all sizes frequently are discolored or have necrotic edges, likely due to cultural factors. Seeds also germinate at 26/21°C in light according to another protocol.
Source: npn.rngr.net