White flowers for shade
In low light, white shows up better than any other rhododendron colour, which is why white forms are used to lift a dark corner under trees. 'Cunningham's White' is an old, vigorous cultivar with pale lilac buds opening to white, and it tolerates more lime than most. 'Madame Masson' is a white hybrid with a yellow blotch on the upper petal.
What the name means
Searches ask what rhododendron means. The word comes from Greek: rhodon, rose, and dendron, tree. In the language of flowers it traditionally warns "beware", an echo of its poison.
Choosing and siting white varieties
- Look at the label for the expected height, which ranges from a metre to well over three.
- Shelter from strong wind, because white petals mark and tear easily.
- Water well in summer, as roots are shallow.
- Feed with an ericaceous fertiliser after flowering.
Facts for Irish gardeners
Because white is the least visible flower colour in a dim light, white rhododendrons often look best planted near a path or doorway. They suit damp, mild gardens, where the leaves remain glossy through winter. Check that you are not buying an unnamed plant, which could be Rhododendron ponticum, a rampant species considered invasive in Ireland.
Poison warning
All parts contain grayanotoxins. The ASPCA lists rhododendron as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and honey from its nectar can poison people. Do not use cut leaves for food, and keep animals away from fallen petals.
