The ‘Teddy Bear’ rhododendron, often derived from Rhododendron yakushimanum, is valued for its compact growth and unique foliage. This evergreen shrub typically develops a dense, rounded form, reaching three to five feet in height and spread over many years. Its leathery, dark green, elliptical leaves are distinguished by a thick, fuzzy layer of cinnamon-brown hairs, known as indumentum, on the underside. In mid-spring, clusters of bell-shaped flowers emerge, starting as purple-pink buds that fade to pale pink or white as they open.
Selecting the Ideal Planting Location
Selecting a site that mimics the rhododendron’s native woodland environment is key to successful establishment. A location providing light shade or dappled sunlight is optimal, as protection from intense afternoon sun prevents leaf scorch. The best exposure is typically morning sun followed by afternoon shade, which allows for photosynthesis without the stress of high midday heat.
This shrub requires a sheltered position, as it is susceptible to damage from strong, drying winter winds, which can cause severe desiccation. Planting the rhododendron near a building, fence, or among other protective shrubs can create a beneficial microclimate. The root system is shallow, making deep planting detrimental, so the plant should be set high in the ground.
Soil composition is a determining factor for long-term health, necessitating an acidic pH, ideally between 5.0 and 5.5. The soil must be rich in humus and organic matter to maintain the consistent moisture levels the plant prefers. Amending the planting area with materials like leaf mold or well-rotted compost ensures the soil is moist yet freely draining, providing both moisture retention and proper aeration.
Essential Routine Care
Providing consistent moisture is the most important aspect of routine care for the ‘Teddy Bear’ rhododendron, as it does not tolerate drying out. Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to shallow, frequent applications, encouraging the development of a strong, healthy root system. Monitoring the soil moisture regularly, particularly during dry periods in summer and fall, helps prevent stress and prepare the plant for winter.
Mulching plays a dual role by regulating soil temperature and conserving moisture in the shallow root zone. An organic mulch, such as pine bark, shredded leaves, or wood chips, should be spread three to four inches deep around the plant, extending out to the drip line. It is important to keep the mulch material pulled back a few inches from the shrub’s stem to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to rot.
Fertilization should be handled cautiously, as excessive feeding can harm the plant. Apply an acid-specific fertilizer in early spring, just before or as new growth begins. Applying fertilizer past early summer can stimulate late-season growth that will not harden off before winter, making the plant vulnerable to cold damage.
Pruning and Shaping for Health
Pruning for the compact ‘Teddy Bear’ rhododendron is primarily a maintenance task, focusing on promoting health rather than significant size reduction. The simplest and most common form of pruning is deadheading, which involves removing the spent flower clusters immediately after they fade in the spring. This practice directs the plant’s energy away from seed production and toward the development of new vegetative growth and next year’s flower buds.
Minor shaping or corrective cuts should be done immediately after the flowering period concludes. This timing allows the plant the entire growing season to set new buds for the following year’s display. When making cuts, prune back to a point just above a set of healthy leaves or a visible growth bud to encourage bushier development. Since this cultivar is naturally slow-growing, heavy pruning is rarely necessary; only remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation.
Protecting the Rhododendron from Pests and Cold
Several pests can affect rhododendrons, including vine weevils, lace bugs, and aphids. The fuzzy indumentum on the underside of the ‘Teddy Bear’ leaves is thought to provide a degree of natural deterrence against pests like the rhododendron lace bug. If pests like aphids or small, soft-bodied insects are present, a gentle treatment with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap is often effective.
Vine weevils are a common concern, with the adults chewing characteristic notches out of the leaf margins. The larvae feed on the roots, which can cause severe damage. For minor infestations, adult weevils can be manually removed at night, while cultural controls like encouraging beneficial nematodes can help manage the root-feeding grubs.
Protecting the plant from winter damage involves proactive measures against desiccation, the most common form of cold injury. Desiccation occurs when evergreen leaves lose water to warm air or strong winds, but frozen soil prevents the roots from replacing it. A deep watering just before the ground freezes in late fall is important to saturate the root zone. In exposed locations, applying an anti-desiccant spray or installing a temporary burlap screen provides shelter from harsh winds and sun, reducing moisture loss.