Rhododendron Flower Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Rhododendron Flower Facts
Rhododendron came from rhodo, a Greek word for “rose” and dendron, meaning “tree”. Rhododendrons have attractive flowers and stunning foliage which is prominent to this heterogenous genus of more than a thousand species from the Ericaceae family.
Known to have lived for more than a century, a gigantic Rhododendron bush has actually placed a small town in Canada on the map. The Rhododendron is considered a long-life plant that it can be grown as a hedge or hedgerow.
The plant can be a shrub or a tree that it can grow from 3 inches to 20ft or more that some species are used as decorative plants. They have thick leathery leaves, with mostly fragrant flowers in a wide range of colors (white, pastel, orange, golden, red, pink, and purple), sizes (there are big and small ones), and shapes (funnel, bell, trumpet, or tubular). A few species have a fibrous root that sometimes grow aerial roots to collect moisture and nutrients in the air directly.
Favoring to live in moderate climate, slightly acidic, and well-drained soil, Rhododendrons are mostly found in mountainous, coniferous, temperate tropical rainforests.
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Rhododendron Flower Uses
Rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and also part of their national logo. It is commonly consumed in Nepal in the form of pickled flowers or juice. It is also available in the form of tea. Benefits include reduction of inflammation for it contains flavonoids that help relieve inflammation in the prostate, kidney, and urinary bladder.
Aside from its medicinal uses, especially in Chinese culture, the flower has been used as an inspiration for arts and literature such as stories, poetry, sayings, and songs.
“Sweet enough to smell like Rhododendrons. The garden of Nature opens. The grass at the threshold is green. And an almond tree begins to bloom.”
It is also used in religious events and festivals; for horticulture decoration, as a hedge, barrier, and even windbreaker. In fact, it has been involved in tourism as an attraction. An example is the breathtaking view of the famous Rhododendron forest which is largest in the world. It is located in Nepal’s Annapurna Ghorepani mountain range.
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Rhododendron Flower History
Rhododendron hirsutum was discovered in the 16th century by Flemish botanist Charles I’Ecluse (also known as Carolus Clusius). The first species to be cultivated was introduced to Britain in 1656 from the European Alps.
The Japanese however, were raising hybrids of R. indicum and R. tamurae in the 17th century, as was published in 1692 in the Japanese book “A Brocade Pillow”, with a description and classification of the color patterns of these plants known today as Satsuki Azaleas.
Other species of Rhododendron to name a few are R. canescens, R. nudiflorum, and R. viscosum which was imported to England in 1734 and R. maximum in 1736. Throughout history, there were subdivisions and revisions of the genus Rhododendron.
A good historical account has it that around 67B.C., under General Pompei, the Roman soldiers invaded the black sea region. King Mithridates had secretly lined the Roman soldiers’ path with mad honey which came from a species of Rhododendron Flowers containing a natural neurotoxin called grayanotoxin. The Roman soldiers, unknowing of the potency of the honey, consumed the honey and were then intoxicated, falling prey, and were slain.
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Rhododendron Flower Positive Symbolism
Since its natural habitat being at mountainous areas and the alps, one has to be determined to pursue and get to the top, just to see its beauty.
The flower is a symbol of strength, aspiration, and success.
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Rhododendron Flower Negative Symbolism
One prominent negative symbolism of the flower is poison. The bees are attracted to the nectar of Rhododendron however it is poisonous to them. Somehow a warning that however beautiful a thing may be, it can still harm you.
Receiving one connotes that you have to be cautious. This is mostly a Victorian culture, wherein the flower represents danger, and receiving one for occasions such as a near wedding suggests a fore-warning or tip-off.
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Rhododendron Flower Cultural Symbolism
Rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and finds pride of its mountain ranges covered in crimson red when the flowers are in bloom. Rhododendron in Nepal symbolizes “victory in war”. For the Chinese, the flower symbolizes happiness and prosperity. In Bhutan, it is purity and divine beauty.
What it also does symbolize, since it is indigenous to sunny places, the Rhododendron is thought to bring light and warmth to any bouquet. It presents a beauty and energy that binds a bouquet in unison. It symbolizes optimism and cheer. This also connotes a sense of energy, good vibes, goodwill, appreciation, serenity, and confession of love and friendship.
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Rhododendron Flower Zodiac Sign
Although not specific to Scorpio, the Rhododendron is considered a lucky plant for scorpios. Both Scorpio and Rhododendron as well share the same attribute of having bold and audacious trail, to think of all that flowering crimson reds.
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Rhododendron Flower in Dreams
Be forewarned if you see Rhododendrons in your dreams. It is your unconscious state of mind telling you to be cautious of foreboding danger.
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Rhododendron Flower Omens and Superstitions
Victorian superstition says that when you receive a Rhododendron, it is a sign of danger. However, no distinct superstition was ever recorded. In the same line, since some Rhododendrons are considered a poison, it could be the reason the flower is interpreted as a sign of danger.
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Rhododendron Flower Mythology and Folklore
Nothing much is told that links the Rhododendrons to mythology. The closest is a legend from Nepal. The story goes that the Rhododendron tree was rejected by other trees in the forest because it was not as elegant and tall as the other trees. It also has a drooping appearance in winter. However, when the spring time came, it bloomed beautifully and was covered in flowers. Now it refuses to marry any of the trees that has belittled and mocked her.
