The ‘Teddy Bear’ Rhododendron is a distinctive evergreen shrub prized for its unique foliage and charming presence. Its compact size and appealing features make it a popular choice for various garden designs, fitting into both expansive landscapes and smaller settings.
Distinctive Features
The ‘Teddy Bear’ Rhododendron’s primary highlight is its foliage. Its dark green, glossy, elliptic leaves have undersides covered in soft, cinnamon-brown fuzz (indumentum), giving the plant its “teddy bear” appearance and year-round visual appeal.
This rhododendron exhibits a compact, rounded growth habit, reaching 3 to 5 feet in height and spread. Its slow growth rate helps maintain its tidy form.
In spring, around April, the ‘Teddy Bear’ Rhododendron produces bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, often with lighter centers or purple-pink tones. These blooms can fade to pale pink or white as they mature and are displayed in conical trusses.
The ‘Teddy Bear’ Rhododendron is cold tolerant, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 7a through 9b (some sources indicate Zones 6-9). It withstands temperatures down to -10°F when protected from wind chill.
Site Selection and Planting
Selecting the appropriate site is important for the ‘Teddy Bear’ Rhododendron. It performs best in partial shade or filtered sun, protecting foliage from harsh afternoon sun. While some direct light is beneficial, excessive shade can reduce flowering. Sheltered locations protecting from strong winter winds are advantageous.
The ‘Teddy Bear’ Rhododendron requires acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH of 4.5-6.0. Improve drainage and acidity by amending soil with peat moss, compost, leaf mold, or composted bark. For heavy clay, consider a raised bed to prevent waterlogging.
When planting, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and about the same depth or slightly shallower. Rhododendrons are shallow-rooted, so plant them high, ensuring the top of the root ball is at or slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deeply can lead to root rot.
After placing the plant, backfill the hole, gently firming soil around the root ball. Immediately water thoroughly to settle soil and eliminate air pockets, establishing the plant.
Ongoing Cultivation
Consistent moisture is important for the ‘Teddy Bear’ Rhododendron, especially during dry periods and its first growing season. It needs regular watering but is sensitive to waterlogging, so good drainage is equally important. Water deeply and less frequently, allowing soil to partially dry; drooping or curling leaves indicate stress.
Fertilize sparingly, typically in spring before new growth or after flowering. Use a slow-release, acid-loving fertilizer, avoiding over-fertilization. Organic matter like bone meal or coffee grounds during planting can provide nutrients and maintain soil acidity.
Pruning is generally minimal, focusing on maintaining shape or removing dead/damaged branches. Light pruning is best after flowering. Deadheading spent blooms promotes vegetative growth and more flowers the following year.
Apply a 2- to 5-inch layer of organic mulch (pine bark chips, pine needles, or leaf mold) to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Do not pile mulch directly against the trunk, leaving a few inches clear to prevent rot.
For winter protection, especially in colder regions or during severe cold snaps, ensure adequate moisture before winter. While hardy, protect young plants or those in exposed locations from cold, drying winds with burlap to prevent excessive moisture loss.
Managing Challenges
Even with proper care, ‘Teddy Bear’ Rhododendrons can face challenges. Common pests include rhododendron borers, lace bugs, and spider mites. Cultural practices promote plant health; insecticidal soaps can help control infestations. The fuzzy indumentum on leaves may offer natural deterrence to lace bugs.
Fungal diseases like root rot can occur from poor drainage or overly wet soil. Well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering are primary preventative measures. Powdery mildew is another fungal issue, mitigated by good air circulation.
Nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron chlorosis, manifest as yellowing leaves with green veins. This indicates high soil pH, making iron unavailable. Correcting soil pH to the optimal acidic range (4.5-6.0) is the long-term solution. Temporary relief can be achieved with iron sulfate soil drenches or foliar sprays of chelated iron.
Environmental stress (improper pH or inconsistent watering) can weaken the plant. Maintaining recommended light, soil, and moisture conditions is the most effective approach to preventing most issues. Regular monitoring allows for early detection and intervention, helping keep the ‘Teddy Bear’ Rhododendron healthy.