Are rhododendrons bad?
The common rhododendron, Rhododendron ponticum, certainly does produce toxic nectar. However, Irish research suggests the nectar may only have a negative effect on honey bees in countries where the rhododendron is an invasive species outside its native range – and even then, they’ll probably avoid visiting it anyway.Click to see full answer. In respect to…
The common rhododendron, Rhododendron ponticum, certainly does produce toxic nectar. However, Irish research suggests the nectar may only have a negative effect on honey bees in countries where the rhododendron is an invasive species outside its native range – and even then, they’ll probably avoid visiting it anyway.Click to see full answer. In respect to this, why is Rhododendron bad?Some species of rhododendron are poisonous to grazing animals because of a toxin called grayanotoxin in their pollen and nectar. People have been known to become ill from eating honey made by bees feeding on rhododendron and azalea flowers.Likewise, what is killing my rhododendron? More rhododendrons are killed by waterlogging and poor drainage than any other cause. If the soil is boggy, heavy clay or compacted, rhododendrons will not grow for long and will likely die. Dark brown dead roots= Phytophthora caused by poor drainage. (NOT the same as Sudden Oak Death.) Furthermore, do rhododendrons have a lifespan? The life expectancy depends on the species and variety, but many types of rhodies can live for hundreds of years. Rhododendrons are common, if the ones in the grove are rare heritage varieties, it would be much easier to make a case to save them.Can you eat rhododendron?The toxic component of rhododendrons and azaleas can be found in very high concentrations in honey made by bees that feed on them. Eating the leaves, nectar, or flowers of the plants can also lead to toxicity. Although rare, serious and life-threatening toxicity has occurred when people intentionally ate the plant.
