Korean rhododendron (jindallae) Rhododendron mucronulatum
Korean rhododendron (jindallae) (Rhododendron mucronulatum) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Ericaceae family, native to Korea, northern China, Japan and the Russian Far East. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Korean rhododendron (jindallae) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Korean rhododendron (jindallae) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: petals (hwajeon rice cakes) |
| Native to | Korea, northern China, Japan and the Russian Far East |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Korean rhododendron (jindallae) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves
Leaves contain grayanotoxins like other rhododendrons; only the petals are eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Korean rhododendron (jindallae)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Mountain laurel: Mountain laurel and rhododendrons are hosts of Phytophthora ramorum (sudden oak death), which spreads from infected foliage between neighbouring plants. Evidence B
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Korean rhododendron (jindallae)
- How far apart should I plant Korean rhododendron (jindallae)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Korean rhododendron (jindallae) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Korean rhododendron (jindallae) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Korean rhododendron (jindallae)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Korean rhododendron (jindallae) flower?
- From about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Korean rhododendron (jindallae) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Leaves contain grayanotoxins like other rhododendrons; only the petals are eaten.
- What grows well with Korean rhododendron (jindallae)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Korean rhododendron (jindallae). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Korea National Arboretum: Korean plant names and distribution, Korea Forest Service
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Rosy-purple flowers on bare stems colour Korean hillsides in early spring; acid soil only.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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