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].
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
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
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
"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., "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
-
? 1.01.11.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
-
? Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
-
? 3.03.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
-
? 4.04.14.24.34.44.5 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
-
? 5.05.15.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
-
? 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)
-
? 7.07.1 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
-
? 8.08.18.28.3 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
-
? 9.09.1 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
-
? ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)
"image:Rhododendron ferrugineum (flowers).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.