Rhododendron is a class of mostly large--to 12 feet--shrubs with dark green, elongated leaves and colorful trusses of flowers that stand proudly above the foliage in mid- to late spring and early summer. Blooms can be red, purple, white, or pink.
Soil: Rich, moist, acidic
Light: Part shade
Zone: 4 - 6
Comments
For best results, remove flower heads after blooming and keep roots well mulched. Most popular types are: Carolina (R. carolinianum), a compact plant with rust-colored leaf undersides; P.J.M., a hybrid, low grower with purple blooms; Catawba (R. catawbiense), the source of many of today's hybrids; Rosebay (R. maximum), the largest of the group; and R. impeditum, a dwarf, rock garden plant with small, almost blue flowers in early spring.
