Rhododendron Wine and Roses

An old and really beautiful dwarf rhododendron, Rhododendron Wine and Roses is a small to medium-sized, evergreen shrub with a compact, bushy habit. The ovate leaves are beautiful, deep green with wine-red undersides which move in the breeze and set off the flowers beautifully. In April and May, the shrub bears profuse clusters of stunning, bell-shaped flowers, in shades of rich pink, which fade to pale pink; protect the flowers in case of a late frost. It is small enough to be planted in ericaceous compost in containers. Rhododendron Wine and Roses can also be planted in borders in acid soil. Don’t plant deeply, and apply a leaf-mould mulch in spring to conserve moisture.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Moist but well-drained, acid soil, preferably humus-rich
Position: Partial/dappled shade or full sun
Season of interest: All year, mid- to late spring in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 39” (1m) Spread: 39” (1m) after 10-20 years