These larger shrubs have upright branched stems that form a dense rounded crown. They have dark green leathery lance-shaped leaves and the white, pink, red, crimson, orange and mauve funnel-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during spring. 

Hardiness zones 6 to 9

Rhododendron Large Leaf Hybrids is naturally found from Japan to China growing in woodland margins on the coast and in the lower mountains. They prefer a well drained sandy loam that is tending acidic with a mixture of leaf mould and peat that is moist and friable and grow.in an open sunny position and are frost tolerant but drought tender. 

Rhododendrons are grown on for their flowers and bushy habit. They are planted in parks and gardens along borders for screening and for their showy spring flowers. They are also used in Japanese gardens or grown in large tubs and establish in 4 to 9 years and are long lived. There are many cultivars with varying flower colours and forms. ID 399

Rhododendron (ro-do-DEN-dron) Large Leaf Hybrids

'Rhododendron': from Greek rhodon + dendron - rose tree.
 
Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens