Rhododendron Ecological Impact?
Question:On visiting a stately home yesterday, I noticed many mid sized bushes which I thought would be excellent for a corner of the garden. On further research I found this to be the Rhododendron Ponticum. Research has revealed that this is likely to have a negative effect on local fauna and flora, and so is out of the question.
I have found a variety called R Fantastica, which seems similar.
Is there any eco concerns over this variety and is it suitable for my garden. The position it would go in is sheltered, has sun for 4-5 hours a day, the soil is sandy and well drained.
Any advice from expert gardeners would be appreciated.
Answers:
You are safe with your chosen variety, Ponticum is the hated one. ACID soils favour Rhododendrons, leaf litter rich, woodland edge, positions suit well. Dig in lots of well rotted compost or leaf-mould.
Ilive near woodland and have two rhododendron bushes in my
garden they probably were cuttings taken from the woodland
so i dont know the variety.
they have beautiful purple blooms every year.
also i have banana palms and New Zealand ferns.
my soil is well drained iron stone which is sandy.
The ecological concerns often raised about Rhodendrons arise from the fact that they are an introduced species (they are orginally from Nepal, and it remains the country's national flower). They are seen as a problem because they are incredibly invasive and will out-compete many British native plant species. However, if you intend to grow it in a garden I can't see why it would cause too much of a problem- as long as you keep it properly pruned, etc and don't let it get out of control.
I don't think you will have that many problems with your choice of site, as rhodendrons like dappled shade. However, do test your soil. Rhodendrons like slightly acidic soil (around pH 5).
As for the pest thing, there are a wide range of Coleopteran species (beetles) that absolutely love them (most are weevils). There is also a pest known as a rhodendron leaf borer that is wide spread in America. I am not sure what the situation is like in the UK yet.
Hope this of some use to you.
I dont know what type mine is but it has wonderful pink flowers that go paler with time mine is planted in a large pot in ericaceous plant compost have had it for 3 yrs but being in a pot controls growth and no overtaking of the garden. It has a sweet aroma and there is a constant to-ing and fro-ing of honey bees now and everyone admires it I hope this was some help
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