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Caucasian rhododendron

Rhododendron caucasicum
Rhododendron caucasicum
Edible value1Medicinal value3Other uses3
Shrub1.2×1.5 mzone 4–7partial shade

Will it grow where I live?

Caucasian rhododendron is hardy to zone 4 – that covers all of Central Europe and the British Isles, and every USDA zone from 4 upwards.

Or check it for your location right here:

Winter hardiness by USDA zone, summer warmth by heat sum – the same values the app and the plant finder use.

Profile

Family
Ericaceae
Habit
Shrub
Height
1.2 m
Spread
1.5 m
Growth
slow
Lifespan
100 years
First yield
after 5 years
Hardiness
zone 4–7
Shade tolerance
partial shade
Soil
Sand, Silt
Soil moisture
semi-dry – very moist
pH
4 – 6
evergreenground cover

Flowering & harvest

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Flowering

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible1 of 10
Medicinal3 of 10
Other uses3 of 10

Growing

Niedriger alpiner Strauch für feuchten, humosen, sauren Boden in halbschattiger, kühler Lage. Kalkmeidend und sehr frosthart; alle Teile sind stark giftig, medizinische Nutzung nur fachkundig.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: highly toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Frequently asked questions

Caucasian rhododendron: how big does it get?

Caucasian rhododendron (Rhododendron caucasicum) grows as a Shrub and reaches roughly 1.2 m in height when mature, with a spread of about 1.5 m. Growth is slow.

Caucasian rhododendron: what site does it need?

Caucasian rhododendron tolerates partial shade. Suitable soils are Sand, Silt. Soil moisture should be in the range semi-dry – very moist. The pH may lie between 4 and 6.

Caucasian rhododendron: is it hardy?

Caucasian rhododendron is listed as hardy in zone 4–7 and survives normal winters outdoors there.

Caucasian rhododendron: will it grow in Central Europe?

Caucasian rhododendron is hardy to zone 4 – that covers all of Central Europe and the British Isles, and every USDA zone from 4 upwards.

Caucasian rhododendron: when does it flower?

In a temperate northern-hemisphere climate it flowers from June to July.

Caucasian rhododendron: is it poisonous?

Caucasian rhododendron is classified as highly toxic. With wild plants, never rely on a database alone — only on a confident identification.

Caucasian rhododendron: what is it used for?

Rated on a scale up to 10: Edible 1/10, Medicinal 3/10, Other uses 3/10.

Community experience

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