Ericaceae - Botanical Family

Mountain Laurel is an evergreen flowering shrub.

Its flowers are star-shaped, ranging from red to pink to white, and occurring in clusters. The plants are striking in the contrast between the buds and flowers.

Buds and flowers color can vary with light exposure (too much shade will fade color).

The leaves, buds, flowers and fruits are poisonous to humans and cattle.

It is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with leaves that are glossy green most of the year, occasionally bronzy in winter. It bears small white to pink bell-shaped flowers. The fruits vary in color depending on the cultivar, these fruits are the main reason this shrub is an outstanding beauty.

There are varieties with pink berries, white berries, lilac berries, the brightest conceivable glistening red berries. These develop in summer following the blooming period and they persist through autumn and winter. When it blooms in May, it still has a good load of the previous year's red berries on all the branches.

Pernettya prefers sun to part shade, loamy acidic soil, it has a higher than average water need so can even tolerate swampy conditions, yet once established will not suffer too much from occasional short periods of drought. It is hardy in a wide temperature range and is not subject to wind-burn.

An evergreen shrub with year round interest, bright foliage color in spring, attractive flowers, and the additional feature of being suitable for containers. The growth habit is neat and compact and there's rarely any need for pruning. It's also an extremely suitable subject for this locality, preferring a slightly humid climate. Pieris require the same growing conditions as many rhododendrons. A fertile, humus-rich, lime-free or peaty soil that is moist but well-drained is ideal.

Rhododendron austrinum, or the Florida Azalea, is native to Florida and parts of the southeastern United States. It usually grows as a single large shrub, typically 5-10ft tall, or a small shrub, 2-5ft tall. This evergreen plant can also be used for bonsai as it has attractive glossy foliage and stunning yellow, orange flowers, which are very fragrant and attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Rhododendron austrinum is best grown in USDA Zone 9-11, in an area of full sun exposure with regular water. It can also tolerate partial shade, but the blooming will be minimized for this condition. When grown in cooler regions, such as Northern climates, growing the Rhododendron austrinum in a protected area and in a pot is highly recommended. to increase its chances of survival, place the pot in a sunny area, such as a sheltered porch or a heated greenhouse, and water frequently. A well-draining potting soil should be used.

When exiting dormancy, Rhododendron austrinum requires higher levels of water than usual. To prevent flower bud aborting in cooler climates, place a protective layer of mulch around the plant in the fall and refrain from pruning plants.

In summary, Rhododendron austrinum, or the Florida Azalea is an evergreen shrub with attractive glossy foliage and stunning yellow, orange flowers, which are very fragrant and attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. It grows best in full sun, with regular water, in USDA Zone 9-11, especially when grown in a pot in cooler regions. When exiting dormancy, Rhododendron austrinum needs higher levels of water and a protective layer of mulch needs to be placed around the plant in the fall to prevent flower bud aborting.

Rhododendron canescens is a hardy shrub that deserves wider landscape use. The 4 to 5 foot plant makes a spectacular spring show since the flowers open before the leaves have expanded. Rose pink to white flowers clusters in early spring; delicate sweet fragrance.

Rhododendron forrestii (Azalea) is a small plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall. It requires regular watering and grows best in full sun conditions. The foliage is almost hidden by the glowing red, crimson, and vinous flowers that bloom in abundance when the weather warms up. This plant is cold hardy in USDA Zone 7-9.

To plant Rhododendron forrestii, it is best to wait until spring. Water regularly in the first season and apply a light, slow-release fertilizer. An ideal soil for this plant should be slightly acidic and well drained.

In cold regions, Rhododendron forrestii can be grown in containers and overwintered indoor. When planting in containers, ensure that the container chosen has drainage holes at the base to prevent waterlogging. Once planted, keep the soil moist by watering and feeding during the growing season. When containerizing, it is important to use a well-drained potting soil mix.

Elisabeth Hobbie is variety with short, glossy dark green leaves and loose clusters of bright crimson-scarlet, bell-shaped flowers that are 2 inches in width. It blooms from early spring.