These beautiful changes in color will occur if the plant is grown in ample sun and moist soil. Deer repellent products can be found at your local garden center. It has also been found that the rhododendron ponticum species contains toxins, even in honey made from its flowers. b+='@' The best time for pruning is in early spring, before flowers appear. Chlorosis is a rather common rhododendron problem. It is best to rotate the use of these products, to ensure that the deer never get too familiar with any of them. This genus includes a species that is sometimes placed in the genus Ledum. The adult black vine weevil causes a c-shaped notch in the leaves by feeding on the plant. The basic difference is that azalea flowers have five pollen-bearing stamens while rhododendrons have 10 or more. It is the national flower of Nepal, the state flower of Washington and West Virgi… Dieback Rhododendrons are members of the Heather family. World's largest display of rhodies in a public garden. Special Foliage. Research into the taxonomy of collected specimens proposed that there were in fact two distinct species. It is a very large genus with about 1200 described species. Cutting back will make for a future sturdy rhododendron shrub. Rhododendron, (genus Rhododendron), any of a genus of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), notable for their attractive flowers and handsome foliage. Lacebugs are tiny insects, about a 1/8" with clear lace-like wings. The genus is large and extremely diverse, comprising about 850 species. function escramble(){