Rhododendron ‘Venetia’

Plant of the month: June

home to many exotic and unusual plants

Also Known As: Azalea

Native To: man-made cultivar

Blooms: May to early June

Habitat: Best grown in partial shade in well-drained, but moisture retentive soil

Where is it Found At BBG&G: Azalea Walk


Currently, Rhododendron ‘Venetia’ is looking magnificent in the Azalea walk and filling the air with a wonderful aroma. This cultivar is just one of a number of different ones that are producing vibrant flowers right now! Rhododendron ‘Venetia’ has a bright peachy-orange flower and looks amazing against a clear blue sky.


Like all Rhododendrons, they need an acid soil that is moisture retentive, but free draining. To enjoy them at their best, plant them in partial shade because the flowers will last longer. They can be planted in a sunny position, but the flowers will fade very quickly. If your soil is dry, powdery mildew can strike, as the plant will be stressed due to a lack of water.


This particular group of Rhododendrons are commonly called deciduous Azaleas, but are in fact Rhododendrons. This variety does lose their leaves in the autumn, but some cultivars also have beautiful, autumn-coloured flowers.