Sappho Rhododendron
Rhododendron 'Sappho'
Ericaceae · broadleaf evergreen shrub · introduced
Last updated
An evergreen shrub reaching 6 feet. Funnel-shaped flowers open white from mauve buds, with a conspicuous dark purple-black blotch on the upper petal, about 3 inches across.
The bold purple-black blotch against white petals is one of the most dramatic color contrasts in the genus. A Victorian-era hybrid with a long landscape track record. Acidic, well-drained soil. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.
Quick Facts
Root Colonization (Spring–Fall)
Infection at Bud Break
Apothecia Formation & Spore Release
Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)
+ 13 more — see full disease and pest lists below