Rhododendron 'Ramapo'
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SATSUKI AZALEA
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: ro-do-DEN-dron
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 4-6, 15-17.
USDA zones: 5-8.
Heat zones: 8-1.
Mature size:
Height: 1 ½ - 3 feet (45-91 cm).
Width: 4 feet (1.2 m).
Flowering period:
April-May.
Flowering attributes:
Pale, violet-blue flowers in small trusses.
Leaf attributes:
Tiny, evergreen, aromatic (pine scented), nearly circular, green leaves. New growth is blue-green in color.
Growth habit:
Mounding.
Light:
Full sun to part shade (will get taller in shade).
Soil:
Humus rich, well-drained, acidic soil.
Pruning Methods:
Lightly prune for symmetry after shrub has finished flowering; rarely needs pruning.
Rainy Side Notes
If you have a small garden with little room for a large rhododendron - this dwarf rhodo maybe for you. A cross between R. fastigiatum x R. minus var. minus 'Carolinianum Group', R. 'Ramapo' prefers our maritime Pacific Northwest climate. I planted three together and as a grouping they are phenomenal, a great use for edging a border or as a ground cover. They are exceptional as container-grown plants and bonsai. They are reportedly deer resistant.
Debbie Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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