Rhododendron (hybrid group unspecified)

Common name: Rhododendron

Description: These spectacular evergreen shrubs are amongst the most beloved spring-flowering plants, offering magnificent displays of showy blooms in a wide range of colours including pink, red, purple, white, yellow, and orange depending on variety. The large, often fragrant flowers are produced in impressive rounded trusses from mid-spring through early summer, creating breathtaking colour in the garden. The glossy, leathery evergreen leaves provide year-round structure and attractive deep green foliage that forms a perfect backdrop for other plants. Rhododendrons develop naturally rounded, densely branched habits that create excellent screening or can be used as specimen plants. These shrubs thrive in woodland conditions and are perfect for adding colour to shady areas where few other flowering shrubs perform well. They combine beautifully with other acid-loving plants and provide valuable nectar for early-season pollinators.

Other benefits: spectacular spring flowers, evergreen foliage, year-round structure, wide colour range available, thrives in shade, excellent screening, long-lived shrubs

Wildlife attraction: bees, bumblebees (especially important for early-season pollinators), butterflies, moths

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: varies by variety, typically 1.5-3m x 1.5-2.5m

Position: partial shade to dappled shade; protection from b winds and morning sun

Soil pH: requires acidic soil; prefers pH 4.5-6.0; will not tolerate alkaline or chalky soils

Moisture: moderate to high watering; requires consistently moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil; benefits from regular mulching with ericaceous material

Winter hardiness: hardy to -15°C; hardiness varies by variety