Great Laurel
Rhododendron maximum
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Arx Fortis
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Species:
- Rhododendron maximum
- USDA Symbol:
- RHMA4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Notes:
- Thin bark and shallow roots make it highly susceptible to fire damage; typically killed by moderate to severe fires.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination and should be surface sown. Best germinated on moist peat moss at 60-70°F.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Requires light or the seed is very fine. Surface sow and expose to light. * sprinkle seed on 10 cm damp sphagnum moss; cover with clear plastic pop bottle cut in half; transplant seedling to acidic mix in shade outdoors when 5 cm high; protect from rodents and give protection in cold frame first winter