Description of Rhododendron Leaves

Appearance

• Rhododendrons have dark green, shiny leaves with lighter green, matte undersides. The leaves tend to be thick and leathery in texture. These plants retain their leaves year-round, though cold weather may cause the leaves to brown, curl and shrivel. Some varieties have leaves that turn dark red in winter.

Size

• Leaf size varies between species, with some rhododendrons having leaves as short as half an inch, and others producing leaves almost a foot and a half long.

Shape

• All rhododendrons have oval leaves that taper to a defined point at the tip. They have sturdy, well-defined center veins and less visible secondary veins. Actual shape can vary from nearly round to strongly elongated.