How to Grow Rhododendron Campanulatum | Bell Rhododendron

Learn How to Grow Rhododendron Campanulatum in India. With the right knowledge, you can bring the beauty of this plant to your garden!

India is home to a variety of rhododendron species. These beautiful plants make a great addition to any garden, and their ability to thrive in India makes them an excellent choice for home gardeners. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to grow Rhododendron Campanulatum in India, so you can enjoy these gorgeous plants in your own garden. 

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Rhododendron Campanulatum Information 

Rhododendron Campanulatum, also popular as the bell-shaped rhododendron or the Himalayan rhododendron, is a large, evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is native to the Himalayan region and can be found growing in the mountainous areas of Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Tibet.

This shrub can grow up to 10 meters (30 feet) tall and 5 meters (15 feet) wide, but it usually stays smaller in cultivation. The leaves are leathery and dark green, with a glossy surface. They are typically 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) long and 3-6 cm (1-2 inches) wide.

In its native range, the Rhododendron Campanulatum is used for medicinal purposes, including treating fever, coughs, and colds. Additionally, it is also helpful as a source of honey by local people. In cultivation, it is often grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks.

Common Names: Tree Rhododendron (English); Chimura (Garhwal); Cherailu (Hindi); Gaggar, Nichnai (Kashmir); Chimul (Kumaon).

The common names of Rhododendron Campanulatum in different Indian languages are as follows:

Hindi: गुराँस (Gurans)
Nepali: गुराँस (Gurans)
Bengali: গুরাঁস (Gurans)
Assamese: গুৰাংস (Gurans)
Kannada: ಗುರಂಸ್ (Gurans)
Kashmiri: ਗੁਰਾਂਸ (Gurans)
Malayalam: കാട്ടുഗുരുവാസി (Kaattuguruvashi)
Marathi: रानभिंग (Raanbhing)
Tamil: காட்டுகுறுவி (Kaattukuruvii)
Telugu: గురంస్ (Gurams)

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How to Propagate Rhododendron Campanulatum

Seed propagation

1. Firstly, collect the ripe seed pods from the Rhododendron campanulatum shrub or from a reliable source.
2. Separate the seeds from the pods and dry them in the sun.
3. Sow the Rhododendron Campanulatum seeds in containers filled with a well-drained potting mix. The potting mix should consist of one part loam soil, one-part organic matter, and one part sand.
4. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, sunny location.
5. As a result, the seedlings will emerge in about 10 days and can be transplant into individual containers or in a garden bed.

Stem Cutting

1. Take a stem cutting from a healthy Rhododendron campanulatum shrub in late winter before growth begins.
2. Cut the stem into sections that are 4-6 inches long.
3. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting and dip the cutting into the rooting hormone.
4. Plant the Rhododendron Campanulatum cutting into a well-drained potting mix and keep it moist.
5. Place the container in a warm, sunny location, and in about 4-6 weeks roots will form.
6. Once the roots have been established, the cutting can be transplant into a garden bed.

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Requirements to Grow Rhododendron Campanulatum

Sunlight

Rhododendron Campanulatum needs at least four hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and thrive. It is best to provide morning sun and some afternoon shade. However, too much direct sunlight can potentially cause the leaves to scorch, so it is important to ensure that the plant is not exposed to too much sun.

When grown indoors, Rhododendron Campanulatum should be placed in a spot that receives bright, indirect light.

Soil

The Rhododendron Campanulatum is a hardy evergreen shrub and will grow well in a variety of soil types. However, it prefers moist, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-6.0. The soil should be well-drained and contain plenty of organic matter such as composted leaves or pine needles.

Rhododendrons also benefit from the application of fertilizer in the spring and early summer. Mulching around the plant helps to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Water

The water requirements for Rhododendron Campanulatum depend on the climate, soil type, and the size of the plant. Generally, it is regular watering, especially when the plants are young. During the growing season, Rhododendrons should be watered deeply every week or two.

In hot, dry climates, Rhododendron Campanulatum may need to be watered more often. In cooler climates, it needs less water, but should still be watered regularly.

Temperature

Rhododendron Campanulatum is a species of flowering shrub that is native to India. It is generally hardy and can be grown in a variety of climates. However, it prefers temperatures that range from 15-25°C.

Additionally. it should be noted that Rhododendron Campanulatum is frost tender, so temperatures below 10°C may cause damage or death to the plant. It is important to ensure that the temperature remains consistent and is not too high or too low.

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Rhododendron Campanulatum Care

Fertilizer

The best fertilizer for this plant is one that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, it is also important to use a slow-release fertilizer to ensure the plant receives nutrients over a longer period of time.

Additionally, Rhododendron Campanulatum plants need to be fertilized every two to four weeks during the growing season.

Pruning

Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and promote flowering in the upcoming growing season. After the initial pruning, pinch off flower buds in late spring or early summer to stimulate more flower buds.

Trim and shape the shrub every two to three years to maintain its form. Remove any old, weak, or dead growth to allow new branches to form and take their place. After the flowers have faded, remove the dead blooms.

Pest and Diseases

Common pests found on Rhododendron Campanulatum include aphids, mealybugs, scale, and whiteflies. Control these pests with insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or neem oil.

Common diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and also leaf spot. Control these diseases with fungicides, proper watering and fertilizing, and good air circulation.

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