The Rhododendron Menace

Tackling rhododendrons

Call to action against rhododendron menace

At this time of year many road edges and woodlands in western Scotland
are awash with purple colour as thousands of Rhododendron ponticum
bushes come into flower. 

But despite this magnificent show of colour, rhododendron ponticum is
one of the greatest threats to the sustainability of woodland and forest
environments.

The threat is so severe that Forestry Commission Scotland - together
with SNH and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, has appointed a
dedicated control officer, Liz Poulsom

As well as advising landowners with advice and guidance on rhododendron
control, Liz - who is based in Argyll - promotes Scottish Government
grant support for rhododendron control projects through the Scottish
Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

Liz said: 

"Rhododendron ponticum is a non-native invasive shrub that can spread
rapidly through woodlands and out into open moorland. It already covers
around 4400 ha in mainland Argyll alone and is present across Scotland.
It is already posing a concern for protected habitats as far east as
Angus.

"The bushes shade out lower ground flora and suppress the regeneration
of tree seedlings but they also host two fungal infections (Phytophthora
ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae) that can have a negative impact on
the surrounding environment and on biodiversity. 

"If left unchecked this species could do a lot of damage to Scotland's
important native woodlands so we need to take severe and urgent action."


Most domestic rhododendrons, grown in gardens for their attractive
flowers, pose no threat to wildlife habitats as they tend to stay in the
garden. 

Unfortunately invasive r ponticum has adapted to our conditions to the
extent that it finds a perfect home in the broadleaved woods of the west
of scotland where it thrives and expands to the detriment of these
woods. It could be described as the 'cuckoo' of the plant world in
Scotland - invading natural habitats and forcing out what should be
growing there with a consequent detrimental impact on the other
dependant fauna and flora. 

Anyone who wishes to undertake Rhododendron ponticum control or who
wishes to find out more about the species is encouraged to get in touch
with Liz on 01738 450799 or liz.poulsom@forestry.gsi.gov.uk