| Description | Stewartstonian Rhododendron (Rhododendron) is a small to medium Rhododendron with red to orange-red flowers in early spring. Has evergreen foliage that develpos a bronzy purple tinge in colder weather. Fall color from a brilliant to dark red. |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Broadleaf evergreen, Site author's observations |
| Hardiness Zone | 5-8 |
| Sunlight | part shade |
| Moisture | average, moist |
| Soil & Site | moist, well drained, acidic ph, humusy |
| Flowers | red, orange red, each individual flower is funnel shaped |
| Leaves | glossy, dark green, evergreen, reddish-chocolate in cold winters (spring and fall) |
| Dimensions | 4-5 by 4-5 feet (HS), good for woodland edges or shaded sites but needs some good sun |
| Maintenance | I like to dig a large hole, not to deep and mix the soil with 50% peat moss, compost or other organic material. Plant in a slight mound for good drainage. Add a cup or two of sulfur (or any other acid producing fertilizer) and some regular fertilizer. Water in good and keep moist. Mulch will help to slow down the loss of water. I like to add acid fertilizer in the fall and spring. Also you can use a liquid acid fertilizer such as Mir-acid. Any pruning should be done right after flowering |
| Propagation | cuttings |
| Cultivar Origin | 'Stewartstonian' is a Gable hybrid developed and introduced by the late Joseph Gable of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania USA |
| Misc Facts | Genus name comes from the Greek words rhodo meaning rose and dendron meaning tree. Transferred from the Greek name for Nerium oleander. |
| Author's Notes | I planted this Rhododendron in the spring of 2019. Looking forward to the mass of flowers next year. |
| Notes & Reference | #144-Missouri Botanical Gardens website (www.missouribotanicalgarden.org) |
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