California rose bay
Rhododendron macrophyllum
Last reviewed: October 2026
California rose bay (Rhododendron macrophyllum) is a perennial shrub native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bumble bees and hummingbirds.
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) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Native swaps for a yard with pets
California rose bay is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. These natives fill a similar role in a planting and are not on the ASPCA toxic plant list for dogs or cats. Each plant's page carries its dated record.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
60"–144" H × 60"–120" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bumble bees, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Growing California rose bay
Grow California rose bay in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 144 inches tall and spread 60 to 120 inches wide.
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
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like California rose bay and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.