Plant Description
Great Laurel (Rhododendron maximum), also known as Rosebay Rhododendron, is a striking broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern North America, including New Jersey. This plant typically grows 4 to 15 feet tall in the north but can reach an impressive 30 feet in optimal conditions. Its foliage is dark blue-green and leathery, remaining vibrant year-round, while clusters of bell-shaped flowers—ranging from white to purplish-pink with spots—bloom in late spring to early summer. Each terminal cluster can hold 16 to 24 flowers, making it a spectacular sight in natural and landscaped settings (Jersey-Friendly Yards).
Great Laurel thrives in shaded or partially shaded environments with moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Its dense growth makes it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or as a natural privacy screen. Historically, its durable wood was used to make tool handles, while its leaves were used in traditional remedies. Today, it is prized as one of the hardiest and largest evergreen rhododendrons, admired for its beauty and resilience (USDA Plants Database).
