Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans) Rhododendron arboreum
Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans) (Rhododendron arboreum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Ericaceae family, native to Himalaya from Kashmir to Bhutan, south-west China, the Khasi hills and the mountains of south India and Sri Lanka. It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 4–8 m (13–26 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 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 -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Himalaya from Kashmir to Bhutan, south-west China, the Khasi hills and the mountains of south India and Sri Lanka |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: leaves, flowers, nectar (honey)
All rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins: eating leaves or flowers causes vomiting, drooling, weakness and heart problems in pets and livestock; honey from some species ("mad honey") poisons people.
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 Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans)
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 Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans)
- How far apart should I plant Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–8 m (13–26 ft).
- Does Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans) flower?
- From about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people moderately toxic. All rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins: eating leaves or flowers causes vomiting, drooling, weakness and heart problems in pets and livestock; honey from some species ("mad honey") poisons people.
- What grows well with Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tree rhododendron (lali gurans, burans). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of Nepal (online flora and checklist), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with Nepalese and international partners
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of the cool, misty Himalayan and west Chinese mountains: it wants moist, humus-rich soil and shelter from hot sun and drying wind, and sulks in hot, humid summers.
- Needs acid, lime-free soil (like other rhododendrons and camellias): in chalky ground grow it in a large pot of ericaceous compost.
- A true tree rhododendron with tight trusses of blood-red (sometimes pink or white) bells in late winter, before most others. It is the national flower of Nepal and the state tree of Uttarakhand; the leaves are silvery or rusty beneath. Its early flowers are often caught by frost in cold gardens.
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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