How much sun does California rose bay need?

California rose bay grows best in part shade conditions.

When does California rose bay bloom?

California rose bay blooms in May and June.

Where is California rose bay native?

California rose bay (Rhododendron macrophyllum) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is California rose bay toxic to dogs?

Yes. California rose bay is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is California rose bay toxic to cats?

Yes. California rose bay is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What pollinators does California rose bay attract?

California rose bay draws bumble bees and hummingbirds.

California rose bay

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rhododendron macrophyllum

Last reviewed: September 2026

California rose bay is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

60"–144" H × 60"–120" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bumble bees, hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Northwestern Forested Mountains

A large evergreen shrub with broad, leathery leaves and rounded trusses of showy pink to rose-purple flowers in late spring. It grows in the understory of coniferous forests, forming dense thickets over time.

Wildlife value

Its large flower clusters are an important nectar source for bumble bees, and hummingbirds visit as well.

Common questions

How much sun does California rose bay need?: California rose bay grows best in part shade conditions.
When does California rose bay bloom?: California rose bay blooms in May and June.
Where is California rose bay native?: California rose bay (Rhododendron macrophyllum) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is California rose bay toxic to dogs?: Yes. California rose bay is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is California rose bay toxic to cats?: Yes. California rose bay is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does California rose bay attract?: California rose bay draws bumble bees and hummingbirds.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

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