General Description/History

With over 600 species and 25,000 cultivars this is a huge genus. Rhododendrons grow as small to medium trees in cool to temperate regions, and require an acidic soil. They have been described as the best garden plant ever – a big call, but if you have ever seen a mature Rhododendron tree in full bloom you may be inclined to agree.

Most Rhododendrons used as cut flowers are picked from gardens or small private stands, so you can find almost any species at the markets. Flowers are large with frilly petals, trumpet-shaped and grouped together in clusters at the ends of each branch. Long anthers and styles are plainly visible arising from the centre of each flower. Flower colour ranges from white to yellow, pink to mauve to purple and red to deep crimson. Leaves are large, dark green and shiny, and are also sold separately as a foliage item.

Rhododendrons are grown in the field. Supplies come mostly from Victoria and NSW.

What to look for

• Buy when flowers are 1/2 to fully open;
• Avoid bunches with wilted tips, and yellow leaves or where flowers drop off when bunches are shaken.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem and wash stem ends thoroughly.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
4. Do not bash or split stems.
5. Always use a preservative as this will help keep open flowers looking fresh.
6. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

The name comes from the Greek, meaning ‘rose tree’.
It is the national flower of Nepal

Botanical Name: Rhododendron species

Common Names: Rhododendron

Stem Length: 30 to 80 cm

Country of Origin: South-east Asia, North America

Available Colours: Green, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow

Season: Winter,Spring

Availability: August,September,October,November