Lace bugs are tiny flying bugs that suck plant sap out of leaf undersides. It’s possible you’ll not discover them till they inflict speckled, white-yellow spots that seem on the tops of leaves. Flip the leaves, and also you’ll discover bugs with clear wings, black excrement, and holes the place they suck. They aim many non-native or hybrid evergreen rhododendrons—evergreen leaves give them ample time to relaxation, reproduce, and eat.
Many azaleas and deciduous rhododendrons drop their leaves within the fall. This helps handle lace bug populations by lowering their meals provide. Deciduous shrubs obtain a reset each spring as they sprout recent leaves with out blemishes. Different rhododendrons have two forms of fur: indumentum and tomentum. Indumentum is a furry coating on leaf undersides, whereas tomentum happens on leaf tops. The American Rhododendron Society says this fuzz blocks lace bugs from reaching tender, fleshy leaves.
If current rhododendrons expertise intensive insect injury, contemplate attempting certainly one of these resistant varieties. In case you’re new to rhododendron gardening, beginning with these sorts facilitates straightforward cultivation. There’s a range for you regardless of the place you’re in your gardening journey! With out additional ado, listed here are 19 attractive lace bug-resistant rhododendrons.
‘Alice’
‘Alice’ blooms delicate pink-blush blossoms in clusters. They erupt in late winter via early summer time, protecting vegetation in pink-white hues. They distinction with the plush inexperienced of this cultivar’s leaves, making for a spectacular present in your backyard.
‘Alice’ resists lace bugs with sturdy, waxy leaves. These thick coverings make it tough for lace bugs to penetrate with their piercing mouthparts. They’ll fly off to a distinct host looking for meals and shelter. Select ‘Alice’ if you would like a manageable evergreen rhododendron with out spotty lace bug injury.
This kind doesn’t develop too tall. It usually tops out round six toes and takes to form pruning nicely. Discover it on-line from rhododendron specialty retailers, or look to native nurseries the place these shrubs are widespread.
Arboreum
This wild rhodie grows to epic heights in its native vary of southeast Asia. The species occupies scraggy hillsides and mountain slopes in forests all through the Himalayas. After many years of rising, people attain sixty toes tall! Rhododendron arboreum specimens keep a lot smaller in gardens, topping round 40 toes. They’re additionally slow-growing, so that you received’t have to fret about their gigantic proportions for at the least ten to twenty years.
This tree rhododendron tolerates full solar or partial shade, because it naturally grows below direct daylight. In hotter zones 8 and 9, give your rhodie partial shade. Grant your shrub safety by giving it shade within the afternoon when the solar is most intense. It’ll recognize common water throughout your rising seasons.
R. arboreum sprouts pink, pink, or white blossoms. They range relying on their native vary, with some teams exhibiting mixes of the three colours. These flowers sprout in clusters at department suggestions. Your complete cluster is a “truss” in flower reveals. Trusses can have wherever from 15 to twenty flowers on them! This makes for a formidable present, regardless of your backyard type.
Argyrophyllum
This rhododendron additionally reaches big proportions! It might probably prolong as much as 20 toes tall when comfortable within the panorama. It sprouts fuzzy indumentum on leaf undersides, giving it thick safety from pesky lace bugs. The fuzz is green-white and matches nicely with the darkish inexperienced leaf tops.
This kind is Rhododendron argyrophyllum botanically. It delights onlookers with pink-white blossoms that nod in clusters. Forest inexperienced leaves beautify the trusses, creating an eye-pleasing visible. This rhodie species behaves nicely with different shade lovers like hostas, western coltsfoot, and Siberian bugloss.
Native to central China, this species grows nicely within the Pacific Northwest, the East Coast, and a few southern areas from plant hardiness zones 7 via 9. It’s widespread in nurseries, particularly rhododendron specialty ones. Flowers range in shade relying on the plant’s supply. While you’re buying, discover your favourite shade from pink to white.
‘Autumn Twist Encore®’ Azalea
Azaleas are rhododendrons too! They’re in the identical genus Rhododendron, though they usually develop smaller than rhodies, with small leaves and flower clusters. Some azaleas, like Exbury azaleas, have enormous flower clusters akin to rhododendrons. Autumn Twist® azaleas sprout three-inch lengthy flowers with white-pink stripes. They’re gorgeous and fashionable—they attraction cottage gardens, moon gardens, and decorative landscapes.
Though the flowers are gorgeous, their leaves stand out in landscapes lengthy after the blooms disappear. They organize themselves in a spiral round stems and develop a deep inexperienced. Their fuzzy hairs provide safety from native and invasive lace bugs.
Discover this azalea on-line. Retailers usually carry this selection as new cultivars are in excessive demand. Autumn Twist® appreciates various solar circumstances, from full solar to dappled shade. Give further water to shrubs in full solar, as they’ll be thirsty after scorching days.
Callimorphum
Rhododendron callimorphum is a species cultivar that naturally grows in components of China. They’re dwarf in stature, topping out at 4 toes after a decade of progress. Their gentle pink bell-shaped blossoms stand out in landscapes, and their spherical, thick leaves are distinctive from different varieties.
This kind wants good drainage to outlive. It’ll battle in clay soils until you amend them with loads of natural matter, like compost. Rhodies want recent, decaying diet alongside drainage to allow them to create lots of of blooms yearly.
Discover this kind accessible on-line. Many growers promote seeds, and a few begin vegetation, so that you don’t should. Rhododendron seeds are typically tough to germinate—discover potted vegetation for straightforward transplanting.
‘Daphnoides’
I really like this selection—it lacks fuzzy tomentum or indumentum however nonetheless retains sturdy lace bug resilience. Spherical, quick leaves beautify gentle purple flowers. ‘Daphnoides’ isn’t fairly as showy as different rhodies, however its not-in-your-face nature makes it an ideal candidate for mass plantings or for adorning shady gardens.
This kind is hardier than most different species; it survives freezes to -15°F (-26°C). Use ‘Daphnoides’ all through zones 5 via 8—zone 4 could also be too chilly, though you’ll be able to strive serving to vegetation via winter with a thick layer of mulch piled round their base. Give them extra compost or natural mulch through the rising season, and also you’ll additional bolster their lace bug resistance. Comfortable vegetation are resilient ones!
Discover ‘Daphnoides’ at rhododendron nurseries on-line or in individual. Its small stature permits it to suit below tree rhododendrons. Layer differing types like ‘Daphnoides’ and Rhododendron arboreum collectively for a spectacular spring flower show.
‘Fabia’
Peach-orange nodding flowers erupt from ‘Fabia’ buds when the climate warms in spring. Its small stature and large attain are helpful for borders or hedges, the place their branches can twist and gnarl over time. It tolerates some direct daylight however wants extra water than in shiny shade. Direct daylight causes these shrubs to develop low and dense, whereas shadier circumstances make them attain taller, with extra gnarled branches.
Use ‘Fabia’ from zones 7 via 9 for greatest outcomes. This selection appreciates humidity and moisture and would possibly endure in heat summer time gardens all through zone 9. Give these vegetation afternoon shade, and guarantee their soil stays moist throughout droughts or warmth waves.
Discover ‘Fabia’ at specialty plant shops, or look on-line. This cultivar continues to be widespread, as its shiny orange flowers are prize-winning globally. Its fuzzy orange indumentum protects the leaves from pesky lace bugs.
‘Fabia Tangerine’
That is one other choice of ‘Fabia’ with the identical rhododendron parentage R. dichroanthum x griersonianum. This hybrid blooms trusses of multicolor flowers. The flowers’ orange edges with yellow-pink facilities stand out in recent bouquets and backyard landscapes. Use this selection as a substitute of ‘Fabia’ when you choose showy, eye-popping blossoms over pure, easy ones.
Most rhododendrons, together with ‘Fabia Tangerine,’ recognize acidic soils with a pH degree between 4.5 and 6.0. They want constant moisture through the rising season and profit from decaying natural matter in your soil. Add compost or natural mulch over time to create the proper dwelling in your shrub.
Like ‘Fabia,’ this selection grows indumentum on the underside of its leaves. It presents a protecting layer between your shrub and the leaf-sucking lace bugs. Don’t rub the fuzz off when you discover it, because it’s a part of this selection’s pure protection mechanisms.
‘Golden Gate’
Though this can be a dwarf rhododendron, it makes a big impact rising in your panorama! This kind’s blossoms are extra pink than ‘Fabia,’ and have gentle orange facilities. ‘Golden Gate’ leaves lack indumentum, though they sprout thick, evergreen coatings that provide lace bug resistance. They’re stronger when nicely watered, so guarantee your shrubs obtain common water.
Dwarf rhododendrons sport medium-sized leaves, between two to 4 inches lengthy. Their trusses are giant for such small vegetation, they usually beautify the branches like pom poms all through spring. Situate ‘Golden Gate’ in full solar or partial shade, giving it extra water the extra direct daylight it receives.
I really like this selection and have two slowly rising in partial shade. Discover one in your panorama at rhododendron specialty retailers, nurseries, and growers. Generally, rhodie lovers share cuttings of their vegetation. Be part of a company just like the American Rhododendron Society to fulfill like-minded flower lovers; they’ve chapters all through the USA.
Insigne
Species rhododendron, R. insigne, is a captivating kind with giant, stocky progress. Native to components of China, this shrub or small tree sprouts fuzzy, golden indumentum on leaf undersides. This protects every leaf from pest invaders, guaranteeing your rhodie blooms yearly with out fail.
This species originates on high-elevation forests and mountainsides. Its white-pink blooms type clusters of a dozen or extra on trusses all through the shrub. Giant, 4 to five-inch-long leaves beautify the flowers under the trusses, creating a delightful look in any shade backyard.
Plant R. insigne in shade with common water. You’ll be able to develop it in full solar, though it’ll want extra water than shade-grown vegetation. Full-sun ones will develop stocky, quick, and dense with flower clusters.
‘Mardi Gras’
‘Mardi Gras’ brings the get together to your panorama! This rhodie selection sports activities delicate trusses with pink-white blooms. Leaves develop a sexy maroon-brown coating of indumentum on their undersides, defending them from lace bugs. Use this medium-sized shrub wherever you’ll be able to slot in your shady backyard.
‘Mardi Gras’ handles all-day filtered daylight nicely however wants solely two to 4 hours of direct daylight. Situate it in partial or full shade with dappled daylight, and it’ll produce clusters of blooms yearly with out fail.
This kind is a well-liked selection and continues to be extensively accessible in North America. As soon as you discover one and plant it, give ‘Mardi Gras’ common water, well-draining soil, and acidic natural fertilizer annually.
Mountain Azalea
This southern U.S. native azalea thrives with little further care in its native vary. It spreads and reaches 15 toes tall within the wild! It’ll keep between six and eight toes in your backyard. These blossoms have elongated stamens and pistils with a tubular base. Their shiny pink-white shade mixture attracts hummingbirds by the handfuls.
Mountain azalea is deciduous and kinds white protecting hairs on leaf undersides. This protection duo presents important challenges for lace bugs, who will fly off pursuing different tender rhododendrons. Develop mountain azalea in full solar or shade; the extra gentle shrubs obtain, the extra blooms they’ll sprout.
Discover mountain azalea seeds or vegetation at native plant nurseries or on-line. This native azalea species is rising in recognition for backyard use—change into part of the pattern and plant one right this moment!
Pacific Rhododendron
This West Coast native rhododendron is gorgeous within the wild. It kinds curly, twisted branches that thicken over many years. In shady areas, they’ll type tall, sparse timber. Search for them at forest edges, roadsides, and shiny forests all through the Pacific Northwest. It’ll develop exterior its native vary from hardiness zones 6 via 9.
Pacific rhododendrons keep smaller in full solar, between six and ten toes tall. Their pink-white blossoms appeal to West Coast native pollinating bugs. The leaves are thick and waxy, and provide very good safety from lace bug infestations. Wholesome vegetation are at all times extra immune to bugs than hurting ones. Hold your shrub well-watered and pruned, and it’ll thwart harmful lace bugs.
Pacific rhododendrons are extremely adaptable, though they battle to deal with dry warmth and clay soil. Hold your shrubs moist, well-lit, and rooting in free-draining soil. They’ll reward you with enormous flower clusters and big, evergreen leaves.
Racemosum
Small, lance-shaped leaves beautify woody stems on this rhododendron—atop the stems lie large clusters of translucent pink flowers. The evergreen leaves have many high quality hairs that defend this species from lace bugs. It’s a novel lace bug-resistant species you’ll need in your backyard, particularly when you accumulate rhododendrons.
With age, Rhododendron racemosum stems develop heavy with blooms, bending low to the bottom. The plant spreads on this means, forming dense, small hedges. Brighten your shade backyard with their flowers, as they shine and appeal to bees and useful bugs.
Discover R. racemosum seeds on-line, or search for potted vegetation at native retailers. This uncommon cultivar is from China and could also be onerous to seek out in North America, nevertheless it’s nicely definitely worth the search!
Scabrifolium
A uncommon species cultivar, Rhododendron scabrifolium grows naturally in China. It’s onerous to seek out within the U.S., though not unattainable. As it’s a species rhododendron, you’ll be able to sprout it from seeds, and it’ll develop true to kind. You may additionally use potted vegetation when you discover them.
This selection blooms purple-lilac blooms which are smaller than most different species. Clusters of 4 or 5 type the truss—they sprout off department suggestions. With reddish stems, evergreen leaves, and lilac flowers, R. scabrifolium is a must have within the rhododendron species collector’s backyard.
This species lacks indumentum on the leaves, nevertheless it grows furry coatings as a substitute. These work like delicate indumentum, blocking lace bugs from reaching the fleshy leaves.
‘The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague’
‘The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague,’ or ‘Jean Marie’ for brief, is a longtime favourite rhododendron all through the world. Its lush, deep-red flower trusses often win competitions, they usually distinction fantastically with its shiny inexperienced leaves. ‘Jean Marie’ tolerates some solar, however publicity below six hours of direct daylight ensures optimum progress.
‘Jean Marie’ doesn’t develop very tall, staying below six toes; it does, nonetheless, unfold large in all instructions. A single shrub can change into a windbreak or privateness display in maturity. Rhododendrons are sluggish growers, so that you’d have to attend a very long time for this selection to achieve maturity.
Discover ‘Jean Marie’ at any retailer promoting rhododendrons. This red-hued selection is well-liked all through the U.S. in hardiness zones 6 via 9.
Western Azalea
Like Pacific rhododendrons, western azaleas are native shrubs of the Pacific Northwest and West Coast. They’re deciduous, dropping all their skinny, furry leaves as chilly climate arrives with winter. Western azaleas are well-known for his or her flower variability, as totally different populations exhibit distinctive shade combos. They vary from pink, white, yellow, and orange, and most are a spread of all 4!
Western azalea can also be a superb candidate to develop in a big container. It prevents lace bug injury by holding populations from overwintering. If leaves do have some lace bugs on them, they’ll fall to the bottom as autumn approaches. Winter moist and chilly kill these tender bugs and their eggs after they can’t shelter on rhodie leaves.
Use western azalea or every other deciduous rhododendron for foolproof lace bug resistance. This kind grows nearly as giant as mature Pacific rhododendrons, reaching 15 toes in maturity. They’re large, too—give them ample room to unfold in your panorama.
‘White Pearl’
‘White Pearl’ is a must have rhododendron cultivar. Its trusses maintain a dozen flowers completely organized in clusters. The blossoms are white with pink or pink recognizing, they usually bloom in an open form. You’ll see them open up from late summer time via early winter. This selection holds onto its flowers whereas all different cultivars open theirs in spring. Its distinctive fall flowering time makes it a standout in any late summer time shade backyard.
‘White Pearl’ protects itself with thick, shiny inexperienced leaves. They resist puncturing with their waxy coating. Lace bugs might try to eat the leaves, though they’ll rapidly vanish after discovering how powerful they’re. Plant ‘White Pearl’ with ‘Pink Pearl,’ an analogous pinkish selection, for a lace bug-resistant shade duo not like every other.
Discover this selection on-line from specialty shrub retailers. This can be a favourite kind, so it might be onerous to seek out or costly. Smaller vegetation are cheaper, and also you get to see them develop up! Choose one of the best measurement in your backyard and worth vary.
Wiltonii
Rhododendron wiltonii surprises growers with its beet-red furry leaf undersides. They distinction with the deep inexperienced of the leaf tops and the all-white flower trusses that erupt in spring. With inexperienced, white, and pink, this shrub is enjoyable to take a look at all through shady gardens.
Though it reaches 16 toes excessive in pure areas of China, it’ll take at the least 10 years to develop three toes in your backyard! Extraordinarily slow-growing, R. wiltonii suits in amongst different vegetation like andromedas, weigelas, and hellebores. Give it full solar or partial shade, and loads of house above so it may well attain up excessive.
This cultivar makes use of its pink indumentum to guard itself from lace bug injury. It has built-in resistance to this insect pest, that means all you will need to do is prune, water, and fertilize your shrub to maintain it comfortable.