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Uses

Toxic parts

The leaves and the galls are poisonous[1]. The pollen of many if not all species of rhododendrons is also probably toxic, being said to cause intoxication when eaten in large quantities[2].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Rhododendron ferrugineum.

Material uses

Plants can be grown as ground cover when spaced about 1 metre apart each way[3]. Some substances in this plant have shown herbicidal activity, though more research needs to be carried out[4].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The flowers, leaves and the galls are antirheumatic, diaphoretic and diuretic[4][5][1]. It is used in the treatment of certain forms of arthritis and rheumatism, but can cause diarrhoea and vomiting so should only be used with expert supervision[5]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[4]. It is used in treating a variety of complaints involving flatulence[4].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn and given artificial light. Alternatively sow the seed in a lightly shaded part of the warm greenhouse in late winter or in a cold greenhouse in April. Surface-sow the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry[6]. Pot up the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter.

Layering in late July. Takes 15 - 24 months[7].

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, August in a frame. Difficult[7].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Rhododendron ferrugineum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in a most humus-rich lime-free soils except those of a dry arid nature or those that are heavy or clayey[8]. Prefers a peaty or well-drained sandy loam[8]. Succeeds in sun or shade, the warmer the climate the more shade a plant requires[6]. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[8].

This species grows better in the midlands and north Britain, disliking the hotter conditions in the south[9]. Succeeds in a woodland though, because of its surface-rooting habit[6], it does not compete well with surface-rooting trees[8]. Plants need to be kept well weeded, they dislike other plants growing over or into their root system, in particular they grow badly with ground cover plants, herbaceous plants and heathers[6]. Plants form a root ball and are very tolerant of being transplanted, even when quite large, so long as the root ball is kept intact[6].

Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[6].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Rhododendron ferrugineum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Rhododendron ferrugineum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Rhododendron ferrugineum
Genus
Rhododendron
Family
Ericaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    2. ? Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.5 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    10. ? ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)

    "image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Facts about "Rhododendron ferrugineum"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyEricaceae +
    Belongs to genusRhododendron +
    Functions asGround cover +
    Has binomial nameRhododendron ferrugineum +
    Has common nameAlpenrose +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has fertility typeInsects +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone4 +
    Has imageRhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useHerbicide +
    Has mature height1.5 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntirheumatic +, Diaphoretic +, Diuretic + and Homeopathy +
    Has primary imageRhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg +
    Has search namerhododendron ferrugineum + and alpenrose +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceVery acid + and Acid +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy + and Loamy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameRhododendron ferrugineum +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Inhabits ecosystem nicheSoil surface +
    Is deciduous or evergreenEvergreen +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedYes +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Rhododendron ferrugineum +, Rhododendron ferrugineum +, Rhododendron ferrugineum +, Rhododendron ferrugineum + and Rhododendron ferrugineum +