American rosebay

Also known as: great laurel

A large evergreen shrub or small tree, usually up to about 3.5m high in cultivation, though can reach up to 10m in the wild. Leaves are elliptic, up to 20cm long, with fine rust-coloured felting on the undersides when young, and sparse hairs on the leaf stems. Late flowering, producing dense clusters of 14-25 small, bell-shaped flowers, in shades from white to lilac pink and with yellow-green speckles on the upper petals, in summer

Scientific classification

Species: American rosebay (Rhododendron maximum)
Genus: Rhododendron
Family: Ericaceae

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Shrubs
Plant type: 2.5-4 metres
Height: 2.5-4 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Columnar upright
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

American rosebay pictures

Distribution of American rosebay

Distribution map

Eastern Northern America

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of American rosebay

Information to be completed

American rosebay care guide

Keep acidic root zone evenly moist, never leaving waterlogged soil
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep acidic root zone evenly moist, never leaving waterlogged soil

Fertilizing

Ericaceous fertilizer monthly from spring through late summer

Pruning

Usually little pruning is needed. Lightly shape if necessary, removing dead, damaged or diseased shoots. Prune after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, by layering in autumn, or by grafting in winter

Growing

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil, in partial or dappled shade. Choose a site away from frost pockets and sheltered from strong winds, and do not allow plants to dry out. Mulch annually, ideally with leaf mould. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice

More growing and care information →