{"product_id":"native-rhododendron-rhododendron-lochiae","title":"Native Rhododendron - Rhododendron lochiae","description":"\u003cp\u003eNative Rhododendron (\u003cem\u003eRhododendron lochiae\u003c\/em\u003e) 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenuinely native.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is the only native Rhododendron, so it brings rich flower colour to an Australian garden without an exotic plant in sight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA long flowering season.\u003c\/strong\u003e Satiny red bells open in clusters from spring through to autumn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHappy in shade.\u003c\/strong\u003e It loves dappled shade and filtered light, and tolerates even all-day shade, though flowering is reduced there.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact in gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow growing and often only 1m by 1m in garden settings, it suits courtyards and shaded beds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood in containers.\u003c\/strong\u003e It adapts to pots in an orchid-style mix, so it can sit on a shaded patio.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShady native gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant it with native bird's nest ferns, which enjoy similar conditions of dappled shade, shelter and humus rich soil. Allow 1m between plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature planting.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContainers.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Native Rhododendron in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Little pruning is needed. Take off spent flower clusters, and tip prune lightly if you want to shape the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/australian-natives\"\u003eMore Australian native plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/azalea\"\u003eAzaleas, the exotic cousins\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/how-to-lower-soil-ph-a-guide-for-healthier-gardens-and-lawns\"\u003eHow to lower soil pH for acid-loving plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-partial-shade\"\u003ePlants for partial shade\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it safe for pets?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTreat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big will it grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow it in a pot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube","offer_id":67789629718847,"sku":"RHO-LOC-tube","price":11.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/native-rhododendron-rhododendron-lochiae.jpg?v=1792191967","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/native-rhododendron-rhododendron-lochiae","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}