Practical
Plants

Rhododendron ferrugineum

Alpenrose

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Rhododendron genus in the family Ericaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Ericaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
1.5 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The leaves and the galls are poisonous[7]. The pollen of many if not all species of rhododendrons is also probably toxic, being said to cause intoxication when eaten in large quantities[3].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The flowers, leaves and the galls are antirheumatic, diaphoretic and diuretic[8][10][7]. 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[10]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[8]. It is used in treating a variety of complaints involving flatulence[8].

Product or use
Antirheumatic
Product or use
Diaphoretic
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Homeopathy

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Plants can be grown as ground cover when spaced about 1 metre apart each way[5]. Some substances in this plant have shown herbicidal activity, though more research needs to be carried out[8].

Product or use
Herbicide

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
Europe.
Habitat
Mountain slopes in open woods or scrub, often dominant in the dwarf shrub zone[6].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 4+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
very acid, acid
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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[4]. 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[9]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, August in a frame. Difficult[9].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in a most humus-rich lime-free soils except those of a dry arid nature or those that are heavy or clayey[1]. Prefers a peaty or well-drained sandy loam[1]. Succeeds in sun or shade, the warmer the climate the more shade a plant requires[4]. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[1]. This species grows better in the midlands and north Britain, disliking the hotter conditions in the south[2]. Succeeds in a woodland though, because of its surface-rooting habit[4], it does not compete well with surface-rooting trees[1]. 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[4]. 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[4]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[4].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  3. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

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  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  5. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

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  6. ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press 1964-00-00

    ↩

  7. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩1↩2

  8. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  9. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  10. Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2

    ↩1↩2

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