What are Rhododendrons?
Rhododendrons are shrubs which include many varieties. They occur as native plants in Southeast Asia, North America, and in tropical climates from India to Australia. It is related to blueberry and heather plants. Rhododendrons are often confused with azaleas. In fact the two plants are of the same species. Azaleas, however, tend to be a great deal smaller, and present with more color variations than do the large bushy rhododendrons. Most rhododendrons can grow to be massive bushes, taller than 6-8 feet (1.82-2.43m). Established gardens of rhododendrons can grow even taller. One of the most interesting of these gardens is the Rhododendron Dell in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Here one finds tall bushes that have been thriving for over thirty years. The Dell is exceptionally beautiful in May when the rhododendrons burst in fantastic blooms of white, pink, orange and purple. The funnel shaped blossoms of rhododendrons cluster together to form the appearance of single large flowers.
