Choosing the right rhododendron
Choosing the right Rhododendron for your specific needs with the help of botanical and horticultural terms
Rosina T. Schmidt
The Botanical Code is the classification of all plants, past, present and future. When purchasing a plant the labels do identify besides the name of the plant also the hardiness zone, and the flowering season, as per the codes below.
See also: Landscaping with Fantastic Rhododendron Foliage in Mind
See also: ARS’ Alphabetical Rhododendrons
Rhododendron Name
If Latin name, it is a Species
Hybrids have a non Latin name
Approximate Height in 10 years
30 inches – 72 cm
1 foot – 30 cm
3 feet – 90 cm
5 feet – 150 cm
6 feet – 180 cm
Climate Hardiness
5 F = -15 C
-5 F = -20 C
-10 F = -23 C
-15 F = -26 C
-20 F = -28 C
Quality Rating
Numbers go from 1 (poorest) to 5 (best)
Flowering Season on BC West Coast
VE – January, February, to March 15th.
E – March 15th to April 15th.
EM – April 15th to May 1st.
M – May 1st to June 1st
L – June 1st to June 15th.
VL – June 15th through August.