- Type:
- Broadleaf evergreen
- USDA hardiness zones:
- 6-8
Rhododendron myrtifolium is a compact broadleaf evergreen that is primarily native to the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. It is a creeping shrub that typically grows to only 2' tall but spreads to 3' or more wide. Small, evergreen, shiny dark green leaves (to 1\ long) are elliptic to oblanceolate. Leaves turn bronze red in winter. Leaves are scaleless above, but have dense scales (lepidote) on leaf undersides. Tubular, rose to purple-pink flowers in clusters of 3-7 bloom in mid to late season (late April to May in St. Louis). Specific epithet is in reference to the myrtle-like leaves of this rhododendron."
- Part shade
- Medium
- Medium
Best grown in acidic, humusy, organically rich, medium moisture, moisture-retentive but well-drained soils in part shade. Prefers a sun dappled or high open shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade is also acceptable. Foliage may scorch in full sun. Plant in a location protected from strong winds. Do not site plants within or near the dripline of trees in the walnut family (most rhododendrons are sensitive to toxic juglones produced by roots of walnuts, butternuts, pecans and hickories). Good soil drainage is essential (plants do not like ìwet feetî). Poor drainage inevitably leads to root rot, therefore raised beds/plantings should be considered in heavy clay soils such as those present in much of the St. Louis area. Shallow, fibrous root systems (do not cultivate around plants) will benefit greatly from a mulch (e.g., wood chips, bark or pine needles) to help retain moisture and stabilize soil temperatures. Roots must never be allowed to dry out. Acidify soils as needed (plants generally like soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 5.5). Add sulfur or iron sulfate to soils to lower the pH. Add limestone or lime to soils to raise the pH. Clip off spent flower clusters immediately after bloom as practicable.
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