Rhodora

Rhodora

Botanical Name: Rhododendron canadense

En Français: Rhodora, rhododendron du Canada

Shrub

Colour: Magenta

Blooms: Spring - Zone 5

Rhodora is a small shrub that brightens up bogs and wet woods with its gorgeous pink flowers, which emerge slightly earlier than the gray-green leaves. It is a host plant for the Columbia silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia). The flowers also attract bees and the rare bog elfin butterfly (Callophrys lanoraieensis) that drinks its nectar after hatching.

A favourite because of their explosive, butterfly- looking flowers. Plants in beds and borders, Bog garden, City, Cottage/Informal, Waterside, Woodland

Other Characteristics

Pollinators: Bees, Bumble bees, Other

Sun/Shade: Partial Sun

Other: Native to Canada

Height:  Up to 3 feet (1 meter) 

Planting and Care Considerations

Grow in moist, humus-rich, cool, acid soil in full sun or partial shade. Mulch in spring to maintain soil moisture. Do not allow roots to dry out. Protect from cold, drying winds.

Spread: 

Water: 

Best Soil: Sensitive to high pH

Growth Habit: 

More Information

Rhodora flowers are well adapted to pollination by female bumblebees. These insects, which are active early in spring, are the only pollinators around when this plant flowers.

Links: 

https://www.naturewatch.ca/plantwatch/rhodora/, https://m.espacepourlavie.ca/en/biodome-flora/rhodora-canadian-rhododendron, https://gardeningcalendar.ca/rhododendron-plant-how-to-care-and-grow-rhododendrons/