Rhododendrons Accented With Mountain Laurels

Ah, Rhododendrons! This is one of the most beautiful shrubs with magnificent clusters of of vibrant flowers. Accent this plant specimen with Mountain Laurels and the result is fantastic color blossoms.

Rhododendron	Mountain Laurel

The southern part of the United States is full of the plant specimen throughout the late spring and summer months. The wonderful thing about the Rhododendron is it will grow well in zones four through eight. This evergreen shrub takes its time to mature. They range anywhere from three to twelve feet high and three to twelve feet wide. The Mountain Laurel also will grow well in zones four through eight.

In The Woods	Deep Pink

This shrub is known in mountain areas as it grows wild. You could be riding along a country road and spot a mass of Rhodies along a hillside. Their colors range in deep and light pinks, soft whites, reds, purple and many two toned varieties.

Natural Setting	Elegant

The plant specimen is wonderful for giving you some privacy from an unattractive view. Consider planting them in a partial shade garden. I think of this shrub as a gift from nature. Take a look at creating a nature garden with some rhododendrons. This is truly a place you could go relax and enjoy the beauty of nature through brilliant colored blossoms.

Mass Of Mountain Laurel	Purple

If your space is smaller, plant three to maybe five of them in the corner of the landscape bed. They also look great around outdoor accents such as benches, bird feeders and house. The Rhododendron can give you wonderful color in an entry way to a formal garden as well as along a pathway.

Rose Color	Cluster Of Rose Tones

The ideal location for these plants is to receive morning sun and afternoon shade. In warmer climates, the afternoon sun can discolor their gracious evergreen leaves. In harsh winter the foliage could be damaged, even though the plants are considered cold hardy. Protect them against extreme cold snaps. There are many different varieties and one of the most popular is the Catawbience. Other durable varieties are the Nova Zembla and the English Roseum. The Nova and the Zembla will do better in the colder geographic regions. The Catawbience is well known in the southern states and produces beautiful purple blossoms.

Hiding	Variety

The beauty about this shrub is it has many companion species. It does wonderful around Azaleas, Oak Hydrangeas, and of course its nature companion, the Mountain Laurel. A fantastic setting is large evergreens in the back drop and a mass planting of the plant specimens in front. In another Gallery of Plants section, pictures of variegated evergreen shrubs will give you some ideas for planting some different plants around the Rhododendron. If the Rhododendron grows in your climate, consider planting a mass group of these specimens or a few to give you a new and exciting look to your garden. Next week the Cleveland Pear Tree will be featured. I was going to do it this week, but wanted to take a few more pictures for you when the summer heat breaks. I hope this has given you a little more perspective with these photos on the true beauty of this plant specimen.