Rusty Menziesia
Rhododendron menziesii
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Steve Redman ( MORA )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Species:
- Rhododendron menziesii
- USDA Symbol:
- MEFE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- 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
White-banded Black (Rheumaptera subhastata), Zephyr anglewing (Polygonia zephyrus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained, acidic soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to forested, mountainous regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow on acidic medium and maintain high humidity.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seed was stored for three months in a cool dry place between collection and planting.
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