How to Grow and Care for Great laurel

Great laurel, also known as American rhododendron, Big rhododendron, Summer rhododendron

Great laurel is generally easy to maintain, thriving in part-shade to full-shade conditions and preferring acidic, well-drained soils. Special care points for great laurel include ensuring consistent moisture without waterlogging and protecting from wind. It's critical to guard against overwatering which can lead to root rot, a common issue with this species.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Toxic to Human & Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Great laurel

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	4.5-5.5
Planting Time	Spring, Summer
Hardiness Zones	3-7
Toxicity	Toxic to Human & Pets

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Varieties of Great laurel

Great laurel 'Gomer Waterer'

The great laurel 'Gomer Waterer' comes from the Madame Carvalho and Pink Pearl rhododendrons. It is distinct because of its white, pink-stained, showy flowers. Its name recognizes a patriarch in the Waterer family of Knaphill Nursery, since a descendant is responsible for this cultivar. Gardeners can plant the great laurel 'Gomer Waterer' in cool regions as an accent.

Great laurel 'Lady Eleanor Cathcart'

An evergreen shrub, Azaleas 'Lady Eleanor Cathcart' was hybridized by John Waterer in the mid-1800s and named after Lady Eleanor Cathcart. Great laurel 'Lady Eleanor Cathcart' is a low-maintenance azalea cultivar, ideal for both garden beds and borders due to it's round clusters of pink flowers that tend to bloom from late spring to early summer.

Great laurel 'Pink Cherub'

Great laurel 'Pink Cherub', true to its name, has pink flowers with darker pink edges that fade to pale pink later in the season. This plant has a compact growth form, making it suitable for use in both garden beds and containers. This cultivar is derived from Rhododendron yakushimanum and Rhododendron 'Doncaster'.

Great laurel 'Sappho'

Great laurel 'Blue Peter'

Winner of the Award of Garden Merit, great laurel 'Blue Peter' has showy blue flowers with dark evergreen foliage. Hybridized from other azalea varieties, this cultivar was named after its delightful coloration. Great laurel 'Blue Peter' won its award for its appealing colors, attractive growth habit, hardiness, and ease of care.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of Great laurel

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More General Info About Great laurel

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Quickly Identify Great laurel

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Great laurel is a robust evergreen shrub that typically stands 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) tall. This member of the Ericaceae family possesses large, leathery leaves that feature a smooth, glossy surface. The foliage, arranged in a whorled pattern, often shows an elliptical shape with a tapered tip. Its blossoms present in clustered groupings, exuding a pink to white hue, each flower bell-shaped and fringed with five distinct lobes. The exterior of these blossoms is marked by a scattering of tiny, hair-like structures.