ABSTRACT
Horticulturally, the Rhododendrons are divided into what might be regarded as ‘true’ Rhododendrons and the Azaleas. Apart from a few specialist producers, most Azaleas are now produced by cuttings. Rhododendrons must be considered as one of the most important groups of ornamental woody plants. In many temperate areas Rhododendrons are a major nursery crop. Plants hybridise freely and clonal methods of propagation are essential. Because of the size and significance of the genus, taxonomic and, more recently, phylogenic investigations into Rhododendron taxonomy has been extensive, and is still ongoing, with constantly changing interpretations and revisions. Despite side grafting being considered for most evergreens, methods for Rhododendrons have mainly focused on apical grafts. Production of Rhododendrons by cuttings-grafts, now popular in Germany, involves only the use of side grafts. The long tongue side veneer including a stimulant bud, where possible with an accompanying trimmed leaf, provides the best choice of grafting method for Rhododendron.
