Rhododendron minus (r.carolinianum) rhododendron

Rhododendron minus (r.carolinianum) is a wild species of rhododendron from eastern parts of North America. The flowers are small, funnel-shaped, and usually lilac-pink and appear in profusion in June. Evergreen leaves are ovate to lance-shaped, partly glossy, mid green. The colour of flowers as well as leaf shape may vary with location.

It grows slowly and very compact and dense. Suitable for an open site. The roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients. Never plant them too deep. The soil has to be acidic, rich in humus, cool and always moist. Ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil topped with leaf-mould. Use selective fertilizers for rhododendrons only. Hardy to min. -26°C (USDA zone 5b), possibly more.

Last update 11-02-2009.