Rhododendron

flowering plants · woody shrubs · mountain gardens

Name means rose tree. The word rhododendron comes from ancient Greek words for 'rose' and 'tree', which perfectly describes these beautiful flowering plants that can grow as bushes or even tall trees.

Mostly from Asia. Most rhododendrons come from eastern Asia and the Himalayan mountains, though you can also find them growing wild in parts of North America, Europe, and Australia.

Can stay green or drop leaves. Some rhododendrons are evergreen, keeping their leaves all year round, while others are deciduous and lose their leaves when winter arrives.

Part of the heath family. Rhododendrons belong to the same plant family as blueberries and azaleas, called Ericaceae, which includes some of nature's most colorful flowering plants.

Over 1,000 different kinds. With about 1,024 species to choose from, rhododendrons come in nearly every flower color you can imagine, making them favorites for gardens around the world.