Occasionally you find a species or varieties that does not root at all by taking cuttings. These rhododendrons tend to be propagated by grafted on to the root stock of a more robust species or variety. Grafted rhododendrons possess a number of advantages. They are healthier, grow better and produce more flowers, react less sensitively to chalky soil and can tolerate a lack of water better than non-grafted ones.
They are, however, slightly more expensive because raising them is more time consuming but, over the years, this additional cost will more than justify itself. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to tell if a plant has been grafted, even for the expert. If you are dealing with a reputable nursery, however, you can be sure that you rarely will receive grafted plants.