Rhododendrons

Of the family ‘’Ericacées’’, Rhododendrons are hardy plants originating from China and Japan. Their flowers can be rose, white, lilac or dark red coloured.

Rhododendron own its name thanks to Carl von Linné. In Greek, the etymology signifies « rose’s tree » (of rhodon, rose and dendron, tree). It has been very appreciated in Europe since the middle of 19th century.  

Rhododendrons like acid grounds, as heath land and fear the limestone. They grow in shadow or mid-shadow, under trees. They need few trimming, but it is necessary to take the faded leaves of in order to free the buds.

 

Originating from the Far-East, Rhododendron is a very frequent plant in Japanese gardens. So, it is not amazing that Monet planted some of them in his water garden, close to bamboos, azaleas, and Japanese Irises.

 

Rhododendrons and Azaleas grow from April till June all around the pond of the water garden.