Native Rhododendron

Native Rhododendron (Rhododendron lochiae) is the only native rhododendron, a slow growing evergreen shrub with deep green oval leaves and clusters of satiny red bell flowers from spring to autumn. In the cloud forests of far north Queensland it can reach 3m high and 2m wide, but in gardens it is often closer to 1m square, especially south of its native range. It gives native garden purists the rhododendron colour that exotic azaleas cannot.

Why you'll love it

• Genuinely native. It is the only native Rhododendron, so it brings rich flower colour to an Australian garden without an exotic plant in sight.
• A long flowering season. Satiny red bells open in clusters from spring through to autumn.
• Happy in shade. It loves dappled shade and filtered light, and tolerates even all-day shade, though flowering is reduced there.
• Compact in gardens. Slow growing and often only 1m by 1m in garden settings, it suits courtyards and shaded beds.
• Good in containers. It adapts to pots in an orchid-style mix, so it can sit on a shaded patio.

Where it works best

Shady native gardens. Plant it with native bird's nest ferns, which enjoy similar conditions of dappled shade, shelter and humus rich soil. Allow 1m between plants.

Feature planting. Use one plant under tall trees or beside a path, where filtered light gives it the shade it likes and the red bells can be seen up close.

Containers. A pot of free draining, acidic mix suits it on a shaded patio or balcony, and it can be moved to shelter when the weather turns.

Growing Native Rhododendron in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled shade and filtered light, in a sheltered, frost free spot. It comes from cloud forests, so it loves humid air and regular soft rain. It suits tropical and subtropical gardens, and sheltered warm temperate ones that stay frost free.

Soil. Plant in free draining, moist, acid soil that is rich in organic matter. Mix in perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage, or use an orchid potting mix for pots. It enjoys humid air but dislikes soggy roots.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep watering regularly for the first twelve months. After that, water during dry spells to ensure good flowering. The fine roots sit close to the surface, as they do on azaleas, so avoid disturbing the soil around the plant.

Pruning. Little pruning is needed. Take off spent flower clusters, and tip prune lightly if you want to shape the plant.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Native Rhododendron as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. As a slow grower it arrives small and takes its time, so choose a sheltered, shaded position, plant it carefully and water it in. Expect a young plant without a full display, because patience is rewarded with a compact, flowering shrub.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More Australian native plants
• Azaleas, the exotic cousins
• How to lower soil pH for acid-loving plants
• Plants for partial shade

Common questions

Is it safe for pets?

Treat it with caution. Like other rhododendrons, it should be regarded as toxic if eaten, so plant it out of reach of dogs, cats and livestock that chew plants.

How big will it grow?

In the wild it reaches 3m by 2m, but in gardens it is often 1m by 1m, especially south of its native range. It is slow growing, so it stays in scale for years.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. Use a free draining, acidic mix such as an orchid potting mix, keep it in dappled shade and water it regularly through its first twelve months.