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Pacific rhododendron

Rhododendron macrophyllum
Rhododendron macrophyllum
Edible value1Medicinal value2Other uses3
Shrub4×3 mzone 6–9partial shade

Will it grow where I live?

Pacific rhododendron is hardy to zone 6, which covers nearly all of Central Europe and the British Isles; only harsh upland sites (Alps, high ridges) call for winter protection.

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
4 m
Spread
3 m
Growth
slow
Lifespan
100 years
First yield
after 5 years
Hardiness
zone 6–9
Shade tolerance
partial shade
Soil
Sand, Silt
Soil moisture
semi-dry – very moist
pH
4 – 6
evergreen

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
Medicinal2 of 10
Other uses3 of 10

Growing

Halbschattiger Standort unter lichten Nadelbäumen auf feuchtem, humosem, saurem und durchlässigem Boden. Kalkmeidend; alle Pflanzenteile enthalten stark giftige Grayanotoxine.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: highly toxic

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

Frequently asked questions

Pacific rhododendron: how big does it get?

Pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) grows as a Shrub and reaches roughly 4 m in height when mature, with a spread of about 3 m. Growth is slow.

Pacific rhododendron: what site does it need?

Pacific 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.

Pacific rhododendron: is it hardy?

Pacific rhododendron is listed as hardy in zone 6–9 and survives normal winters outdoors there.

Pacific rhododendron: will it grow in Central Europe?

Pacific rhododendron is hardy to zone 6, which covers nearly all of Central Europe and the British Isles; only harsh upland sites (Alps, high ridges) call for winter protection.

Pacific rhododendron: when does it flower?

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

Pacific rhododendron: is it poisonous?

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

Pacific rhododendron: what is it used for?

Rated on a scale up to 10: Edible 1/10, Medicinal 2/10, Other uses 3/10.

Community experience

No first-hand reports for this plant yet.

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