Propagation
Surface sow fresh seeds in boxes, using a sandy-peat media that is lime free and cover the seeds lightly with sphagnum or sand. Germinate under mist and pot up as soon as large enough to handle.


Botanic information
Leaf: The dark to medium green leaves are elliptical to elliptical-oblong with a ciliate margin and an acute apex. During autumn the leaves turn burgundy before falling with better colour achieved in full sun positions.

Flower: The flat-faced crateriform flowers have 2-lips with the upper having 2-petals and the lower 3-petals that are almost split to the base and vary in colour from white to red, with brown spots towards the throat. There have 5-7 long exserted curved stamens that have brown anthers.

The green pubescent pedestal is up to 10 mm (? in) long and 5-8 flowers are arranged in a terminal umbel (truss) above the foliage during early spring before the foliage.

Fruit: The small capsule contains numerous tiny seeds that are persisted on the plant. The seeds are viable but the plant may be reproduced vegetatively.


Culture
Rhododendrons grow best in a sandy loam that is tending acidic and is well drained with a mixture of leaf mould and peat that is kept moist, and friable. They do not thrive in clay or limestone based soils with a high pH and is very sensitive to salinity.

These shrubs require protection from strong winds due to the shallow root system and dislike hot afternoon sun, preferring a semi-shaded position. As they are shallow rooted they are easily transplanted with a good ball of soil kept around the roots.

When replanting apply a thick layer of mulch which will retain the soil moisture, improve soil aeration and decrease the penetration of frosts in cold areas. When planting from a container you may make vertical slits down the root ball with a sharp knife to ensure contact with the new soil and the hole once planted it should not be allowed to dry out.

The large leaf forms tolerate a shaded position, under deciduous trees or on the southern side of buildings and the smaller azaleas can tolerate a sunny position, but all forms require adequate light for flowering. Normally little pruning is required, but rhododendrons will tolerate cutting back if they become leggy or to rejuvenate.