About
A neat and compact rhododendron ideal for small gardens, the front of the border or containers. Leaves are matt green and have dense tan-coloured indumentum on the underside. Bears loose clusters of funnel-shaped bright red flowers in late spring.
About the genus
Rhododendron can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves, sometimes with a dense colourful indumentum of hairs on the lower side, and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers that may be solitary or in short racemes
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationPlant in moist acidic soil which has been enriched with organic matter (such as leaf mould). In containers use an ericaceous compost. Plants do best in dappled shade. Keep well watered until established. See rhododendron cultivation for further information
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings, grafting or layering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, leaf hoppers, lacebugs, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, bud blast, honey fungus, rust, leafy gall, petal blight and phytophthora root and shoot rots