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Uses

Toxic parts

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many members have poisonous leaves. The pollen of many if not all species of rhododendrons is also probably toxic, being said to cause intoxication when eaten in large quantities[1].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Rhododendron griersonianum.

Material uses

Plants can be grown as a hedge, responding well to trimming[2].
There are no material uses listed for Rhododendron griersonianum.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Rhododendron griersonianum.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

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[2]. 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[3].

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, August in a frame. Difficult[3].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Rhododendron griersonianum. 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[4]. Prefers a peaty or well-drained sandy loam[4]. Succeeds in sun or shade, the warmer the climate the more shade a plant requires[2]. Tolerant of more sun and drought than most species in this genus[5]. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[2].

Hardy to about -10°c[5]. Plants are very tolerant of pruning, especially when grown in the milder areas of the country, and can be cut back severely if required[2]. Succeeds in a woodland though, because of its surface-rooting habit[2], it does not compete well with surface-rooting trees[4]. 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[2]. 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[2]. The seeds of this species take almost a year to ripen from flowering[6].

Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[2].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Rhododendron griersonianum. 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 griersonianum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Rhododendron griersonianum
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
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
3 x meters
Fertility
?
Pollinators
?
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type











References

  1. ? Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  2. ? 2.002.012.022.032.042.052.062.072.082.092.10 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.1 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30258-2 (1989-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.1 [Flora of China] (1994-00-00)