Canada Rosebay
(Rhododendron canadense)
Canada Rosebay (Rhododendron canadense)
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Dennis Jarvis
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Dennis Jarvis
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dennis Jarvis | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: archer10 (Dennis) | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Rhododendron canadense, commonly known as Canada Rosebay, is a deciduous flowering shrub native to acidic wetlands, including bogs, swamps, and moist forests in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 0.5–1.2 meters (approximately 1–3 feet) and is known for its early spring blooms. The shrub produces clusters of 2–6 pinkish-purple flowers, each around 2–3 cm (approximately 1 inch) in diameter, with a distinctive five-lobed purple corolla. These flowers are notably different from those of other Rhododendron species found in northeastern North America, as they are less showy and more adapted to their unique wetland habitat.
Canada Rosebay is valued for its early spring flowers, which provide a splash of color in garden settings. It is often used in bog gardens, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas where conditions mimic its native wetland habitat. While it can tolerate full sun, it thrives in part shade with high moisture levels and requires acidic soil with good drainage to prevent root rot. It is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases, but it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that while it is a beautiful addition to suitable gardens, it may not be as robust or as easy to grow as other Rhododendron species due to its specific habitat requirements.CC BY-SA 4.0
Canada Rosebay is valued for its early spring flowers, which provide a splash of color in garden settings. It is often used in bog gardens, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas where conditions mimic its native wetland habitat. While it can tolerate full sun, it thrives in part shade with high moisture levels and requires acidic soil with good drainage to prevent root rot. It is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases, but it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that while it is a beautiful addition to suitable gardens, it may not be as robust or as easy to grow as other Rhododendron species due to its specific habitat requirements.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-4 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Acidic wetlands, including bogs, swamps, and moist forests
Other Names
Common Names: Rhodora, Vårazalea
Scientific Names: , Rhododendron canadense, Azalea canadense, Rhodora canadensis, Rhododendron rhodora, Rhododendron canadense f. albiflorum, Rhododendron canadense f. viridifolium, Rhododendron rhodora f. albiflorum, Azalea canadensis, Hochenwartia canadensis
GBIF Accepted Name: Rhododendron canadense (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.