How to Grow Rhododendron Shrubs in the Garden

Rhododendrons are so well-behaved, carefree and fit so seamlessly into the landscape. Once planted and thriving, you might actually forget these shrubs are even there—until spring.

(Front) Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt', Rhododendron ‘Percy Wiseman’, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' (Back) Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon', Calocedrus decurrens. (All photos unless noted @Doreen Wynja)

Most of the year rhododendron shrubs hang out in the background. They provide impressive, sturdy structure and rich, often evergreen leafy texture to deep borders or along foundations. Or, as accent plants in island beds and along fences. Seemingly overnight, clusters of fat buds burst into a riot of color. With huge displays of flowers atop those familiar large, leathery leaves. And you suddenly remember why you layered these easy-to-grow shrubs into the garden in the first place. (And, look for places to add a few more).

Start by selecting the superior varieties that Monrovia chooses to grow. Then you'll be starting with varieties that have improved qualities, such as greater disease resistance and longer blooming. Nurtured at our nurseries with the right soil, water, and care by our craftsmen. Your rhododendrons will get off to a great start in your landscape, making these shrubs are easy and fuss-free. Here is what you need to know to grow rhododendrons in your garden.

What are Rhododendrons?

Rhododendrons are shrubs, often evergreen. They are either native to North America or hybrids grown for desirable attributes. For instance, height, color, and adaptability to regional climates. Their flowers are tubular-, funnel-, or bell-shaped—and depending on variety, can be fragrant.

With more than 900 known species in the genus. Plus, availability in a range of sizes, habits, and flower color. Rhododendrons are one of the most useful shrubs in the home landscape. Though we often speak of them as different groups of plants, rhododendrons and azaleas both belong to the genus Rhododendron.

While both stars in the landscape, Rhododendrons typically have much bigger flowers than azaleas. They bloom later, and are open and not as dense in their habit. (All good reasons to mix and mingle them in the landscape).

How to Choose the Best Rhododendron for Your Garden

With so many gorgeous varieties in a range of mature plant sizes and temperature tolerances from which to choose. Picking the right rhododendron for your garden can be a challenge. Here are the questions to ask and answer:

What's my zone?
How much planting space do I have?
When do I most need color in the garden?
What color speaks to me?

Here are the first two things to consider. Your hardiness zone and the ultimate amount of space available for the plant to grow. Most are hardy in zones 5 - 8. Though there are a some varieties that can take more chill (some are hardy to zone 4). Others can take a bit more heat (some are hardy to zone 9).

Rhododendrons range in size. From compact (perfect for containers, along a woodsy walkway or in front of taller shade lovers) to hedge height. (This is ideal under tall conifers, along property lines or to add a focal point). It's important to be realistic about how much space you have to fill. Choosing the right variety now will make life easier later.

Once you have figured out these two considerations. Your third decision is if would like one that blooms earlier or later in the season. Then finally (the most fun) choosing from a wide variety of colors. This can range from white, red, pink, purple, orange or yellow, depending on the specific variety.

Now you've selected the perfect plant for your landscape, there are just some things to know about planting and care. Rhododendrons are not especially fussy, but they do have needs. Finally, as these shrubs bloom over a relatively short season, it's good to add a few companions. Ones with similar light and soil requirements. This will keep the show going longer into late spring and early summer. More on all of this below...read on!

3 Compact Rhododendrons for Your Garden

Landmark Rhododendron

Compact midseason bloomer produces showy wavy-edged, deep fuchsia-pink flowers. Zone: 5 - 8. Learn more

PHOTO: Millette Photomedia

Cunningham's White Rhododendron

White flowers on a versatile landscape shrub for foundations and mixed borders. Zone: 5 - 8. Learn more

Bubblegum Rhododendron

Low, compact evergreen with bubblegum-pink, lightly scented flowers in spring. Zone: 5 - 8. Learn more

3 Rhododendrons for Colder Zones (4 - 9)

P.J.M. Rhododendron

5' tall with bright lavender-purple blooms that contrast with the small evergreen leaves. Zone 4 – 8.Learn more

Pink Rosebay Rhododendron

Spectacular late spring showy trusses of enchanting pink flowers on a vigorous, large shrub. Zone 4 – 9. Learn more

Roseum Pink Rhododendron

Up to 8' tall and wide with mid-spring clear pink flowers; withstands cold, heat and humidity. Zone: 4 - 9 Learn more

PHOTO: Millette Photomedia

3 Rhododendrons for Warmer Zones (5 - 9)

Sneezy Rhododendron

Showy, soft pink flowers with red blotch on each bloom on a compact plant perfect for pots. Zone: 5 - 9.Learn more

Percy Wiseman Rhododendron

Lovely spring flowers emerge in shades of peach, pink, and cream on a versatile 4' tall shrub. Zone: 5 - 9. Learn more

PHOTO: GAP Photos/FHJ Greenmedia

President Roosevelt Rhododendron

Wow mix of variegated leaves and red flowers with white centers on useful 5' tall shrub. Zone: 5 - 9. Learn more

Where to Plant Rhododendrons

North American native rhododendrons typically thrive in filtered sunlight and acidic soil. However, modern varieties can tolerate a wider range of condition. If you are unsure about the light and soil condition in your garden garden ask for advice. Go to your local garden center. Also, always check the plant tag to make sure your site can provide what the plant needs. The warmer your region, the less hot afternoon sun the plants will tolerate. In colder zones (4) planting where there is protection of cold winter winds is helpful. All rhododendrons grow best in soils with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. Use a soil testing kit to check. If the pH tests higher than 6.0, apply aluminum sulfate to the soil according to package instructions.

Soil Preparation for Rhododendrons

When you consider that native rhododendrons thrive in the dappled woodland shade and under trees with which they have grown. (Planting a young rhododendron under a mature tree is tricky and they often fail.) It is easy to understand their preference for moist, well-drained soils high in organic matter. Rhododendrons and azaleas have shallow fine hair-like roots and do not tolerate water-saturated soil conditions--but do require moist soils. Monrovia's rhododendrons are container-grown in a custom soil blend with added mycorrhizae. Therefore, once planted in the correct soil, they will naturally get off to a great start. If your soil lacks excellent drainage, amend prior to planting with a mix made for acid-loving plants.

How to Care for Rhododendrons

Once established in a location that suits their particular needs, rhododendrons are typically fuss free. They need only the basics--food, water, and pruning--to thrive.

Watering: Because of those shallow roots plants need consistent water during the first growing season. If there is no rain, water deeply twice a week. In subsequent years, once plants are established, only dry periods (2 to 3 weeks without rain). Remember, many a rhodie has been felled by sitting in wet soils. So, always allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Feeding: If your garden's soil isn't wonderfully rich or fertile, your rhododendrons will appreciate a balanced fertilizer. (If your soil is naturally acidic or a specialty acidic fertilizer if not.) Either way, the time to feed is when plant and again in early spring as flower buds swell.
Pruning: Here's the good news. Rhododendrons neither need nor respond well to frequent hard pruning, so you can holster the clippers. However, pruning to remove dead or diseased wood at any time. Or, pruning lightly to control size after flowering will not harm your plant. After flowering deadhead by snapping off spent flower clusters to encourage root growth.