Great laurel - Rhododendron maximum (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Great laurel

Also known as: Rosebay rhododendron, Summer rhododendron

Rhododendron maximum, commonly known as great laurel is a late-blooming evergreen shrub endemic to North America. It produces clusters of gentle, white or pink flowers and glossy oval leaves, typical for Rhododendron genus. Hill slopes of the Appalachian region are the natural habitat of this vigorous, hardy plant.

Scientific classification

Species

Great laurel (Rhododendron maximum)

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Bloom Time

Mid fall

Harvest Time

1.5 m to 10 m

Plant Height

1.5 m to 3.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 3 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

White, Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Great laurel

Attributes of Great laurel

Growth Rate

Given great laurel's slow growth rate, it exhibits steady development in spring and summer. During these seasons, the plant channels its energy into creating robust, plentiful leaves rather than increasing in height. Due to its rate of growth, great laurel gradually achieves its mature size over years, resulting in an endurably lush and dense foliar display. This contributes to great laurel's resilience, as slower growth often equates to heightened hardiness and longevity in the horticultural world.

Distribution of Great laurel

Distribution Map

Great laurel is native to the eastern United States and Japan and Georgia. where the great laurel grows in thickets, dominating the forest’s undergrowth. It is cultivated globally in cooler and temperate zones.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Damp places, Streams, Bogs, Ponds, Woods, Mountain slopes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Great laurel (Rhododendron maximum) is a popular rhododendron due to its large size and hardiness. It is a rewarding choice for beds, borders, and cottage gardens and offers great interest with its large clusters of pink and white flowers. Witch hazel, summersweet, and Japanese andromeda are species that provide enough contrast and color to complement this shrub.

Symbolism

Danger, strength, protection, beauty

Interesting Facts

In areas where great laurel is commonly planted, it has been observed that other plant species have difficulty regenerated. Caution should be exercised when planting great laurel due to this inhibitory effect, which is not fully understood. It is hypothesized that great laurel outcompetes other species for nutrients and light within a forest environment. It can seriously affect wood production if planted nearby.

Name Story

Great laurel: Where extensive overstory mortality has eliminated most of the overstory, this species forms a thick and continuous subcanopy known locally as ‘laurel slicks’ or ‘laurel hells’. As its flowers are the largest in the Rhododendron genus, it is called great laurel.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Great laurel, including the following common varieties :

Azaleas 'Gomer Waterer'Azaleas 'Lady Eleanor Cathcart'Azaleas 'Pink Cherub'Azaleas 'Earl of Donoughmore'Azaleas 'Sappho'Azaleas 'Blue Peter'Azaleas 'Madame Masson'Azaleas 'Germania'Azaleas 'Nestucca'

Toxicity

Great laurel has toxic properties harming humans upon consumption, causing life-threatening symptoms like slowed heart rate and low blood pressure. Cats and dogs are also at risk, showing severe physical discomfort if they ingest the plant. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for pets exhibiting poisoning symptoms to ensure the best outcome. Keep great laurel inaccessible to children and pets.

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Quickly Identify Great laurel

Large, leathery leaves in a whorled arrangement with smooth, glossy surfaces.

Bell-shaped flowers with pink to white hues and fringed lobes, bearing hair-like structures.

Oblong seed capsule with a mechanism for dehiscence, revealing tiny seeds in autumn.

Dark green leaves with rust-colored hairs underneath, 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) long.

Trunk bark transitions from smooth, light brown surface to scaled texture, staying slender.

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Care Guide for Great laurel

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from moist habitats, great laurel prefers consistent moisture and humidity, thriving when watered every 1-2 weeks. While moderately drought-tolerant, it flourishes in temperate climates and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture during its active growing season.

Fertilize: Fertilize great laurel in spring and late summer with balanced nutrition, ensuring adequate phosphorus for budding. Use acid-specific formulations sparingly. Adjust fertilization based on growth cycles, utilize annual organic mulching, and always water great laurel after fertilization to enhance nutrient absorption and prevent foliage burn.

Pruning: Great laurel features large, glossy leaves and clusters of flowers. Prune in late spring by removing dead wood and thinning crowded branches for better air circulation and light. Clean tools are essential. Post-flowering pruning reduces stress, promoting vigorous regrowth for the next season.

Propagation: The best time to propagate great laurel is in spring or summer, preferably through cuttings. It has moderate difficulty, with success measured by healthy root growth. Maintaining optimal humidity and temperature is crucial for effective propagation.

Repotting: Repot great laurel in early spring every 2-3 years to support its growth. Use a spacious container with well-draining acidic soil, avoiding deep planting. Maintain consistent moisture and ensure good air circulation for optimal recovery and health.

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Images of Great laurel

Attributes of Great laurel

Distribution of Great laurel

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Great laurel

Care Guide for Great laurel

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