Rhododendron

New Zealand’s Best Rhododendron Plants

Growing colourful shrubs in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Rhododendron plants and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Rhododendrons, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Rhododendrons

1. Which month is best for rhododendrons in NZ?

The best month to see rhododendrons in New Zealand is October. This is when the majority of rhododendron species are in full bloom, creating a spectacular display of color in gardens and parks throughout the country. The Taranaki region in the North Island is particularly renowned for its rhododendron gardens, which host festivals and events during the blooming season.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the rhododendron flowering season in New Zealand:

• September: Early-flowering rhododendron varieties begin to bloom, such as 'Christmas Cheer' and 'Loderi'.
• October: The peak flowering season for most rhododendron species, with a wide range of colors and varieties on display.
• November: Some late-flowering rhododendron varieties continue to bloom, such as 'Nova Zembla' and 'Taurus'.
• December: The rhododendron flowering season starts to wind down, but some plants may still have a few flowers remaining.

Of course, the exact timing of the rhododendron flowering season can vary from year to year depending on the weather conditions. Warmer temperatures can bring on flowering earlier, while cooler temperatures can delay it. However, October is generally the most reliable month to see rhododendrons in New Zealand at their peak.

2. some of the easiest rhododendrons to grow in New Zealand:

1. Rhododendron yakushimanum: This compact and hardy shrub is known for its dense foliage and clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. It is well-suited to a variety of climates and can tolerate both sun and shade.
2. Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla': This early-flowering hybrid produces large, fragrant flowers in a vibrant shade of pink. It is a relatively easy-care plant that thrives in acidic, well-draining soil.
3. Rhododendron 'PJM': This compact and low-growing rhododendron is a popular choice for borders and containers. It produces clusters of small, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink and purple.
4. Rhododendron 'Taurus': This late-flowering hybrid is known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a striking shade of red. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that can tolerate a range of conditions.
5. Rhododendron 'Kotuku': This New Zealand-bred rhododendron is known for its delicately fragrant white flowers. It is a compact and easy-care plant that thrives in acidic, well-draining soil.
6. Rhododendron 'Patty Bee': This compact and dense rhododendron is a good choice for small spaces. It produces clusters of wavy lemon-yellow flowers in early spring.
7. Rhododendron 'Black Magic': This rhododendron has deep red flowers and compact, rounded foliage. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that can tolerate a range of conditions.
8. Rhododendron 'Blue Tit': This rhododendron has small, bell-shaped flowers in a delicate shade of blue-purple. It is a compact and easy-care plant that thrives in acidic, well-draining soil.
9. Rhododendron 'Scintillation': This rhododendron has large, showy flowers in a vibrant shade of pink with a white border. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that can tolerate a range of conditions.
10. Rhododendron 'Fragrantissimum': This rhododendron has deliciously fragrant flowers in a delicate shade of yellow-cream. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that can tolerate a range of conditions.

These are just a few of the many easy-to-grow rhododendrons that can thrive in New Zealand gardens.

3. What is the fastest growing rhododendron?

The fastest growing rhododendron in NZ is the Rhododendron bureavianum. This rhododendron is a large shrub that can grow up to 5-6 meters tall and 3-4 meters wide. It has large, glossy leaves and clusters of pink or purple flowers. It is a fast-growing and vigorous plant that can quickly fill in a large space.

Here are some of the other fast-growing rhododendrons in NZ:

• Rhododendron praecox: This rhododendron is a compact shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall and 2 meters wide. It has small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
• Rhododendron 'Loderi': This rhododendron is a large shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall and 3 meters wide. It has large, fragrant flowers in a vibrant shade of pink.
• Rhododendron 'Scintillation': This rhododendron is a large shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall and 3 meters wide. It has large, showy flowers in a vibrant shade of pink with a white border.
• Rhododendron 'Taurus': This rhododendron is a large shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall and 3 meters wide. It has large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a striking shade of red.
• Rhododendron 'Fragrantissimum': This rhododendron is a large shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall and 3 meters wide. It has deliciously fragrant flowers in a delicate shade of yellow-cream.

Please note that the growth rate of rhododendrons can vary depending on the climate, soil conditions, and care they receive. In general, rhododendrons will grow faster in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil. They will also grow faster if they are fertilized regularly and watered deeply and infrequently.

4. What is the prettiest rhododendron?

Determining the prettiest rhododendron is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, some rhododendrons are widely recognized for their exceptional beauty and are often cited as favorites among gardeners and enthusiasts. Here are a few examples of rhododendrons that are often considered to be among the prettiest:

1. Rhododendron 'April Rose': This hybrid rhododendron produces large, ruffled flowers in a delicate shade of pink with a hint of lavender. Its blooms are incredibly fragrant and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for gardens and cut flowers.
2. Rhododendron 'Blue Tit': This rhododendron is prized for its unique and striking flowers. The bell-shaped blooms are a delicate shade of blue-purple with a white throat, creating a mesmerizing contrast.
3. Rhododendron 'Scintillation': This rhododendron is known for its large, showy flowers that resemble watercolors. The blooms are a vibrant shade of pink with a white border, creating a captivating effect.
4. Rhododendron 'Fragrantissimum': This rhododendron is not only beautiful but also incredibly fragrant. The delicate yellow-cream flowers exude a sweet, intoxicating aroma, making it a delightful addition to any garden.
5. Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla': This rhododendron is a classic beauty with large, fragrant flowers in a vibrant shade of pink. Its blooms are early to appear, adding a splash of color to the spring garden.
6. Rhododendron 'PJM': This rhododendron is a compact and versatile shrub with clusters of small, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink and purple. Its dense foliage and long blooming season make it a popular choice for borders and containers.
7. Rhododendron 'Taurus': This rhododendron is a favorite among rhododendron enthusiasts for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a striking shade of red. The blooms are bold and showy, making a dramatic statement in the garden.
8. Rhododendron yakushimanum: This rhododendron is known for its graceful form and delicate beauty. The bell-shaped flowers are in shades of white, pink, and purple, and the foliage turns a stunning bronze-red in the fall.
9. Rhododendron 'Patty Bee': This rhododendron is a charming shrub with clusters of wavy lemon-yellow flowers in early spring. Its cheerful blooms add a touch of sunshine to the garden and attract pollinators.
10. Rhododendron 'Black Magic': This rhododendron is a striking addition to the garden with its deep red flowers and compact, rounded foliage. The dark blooms create a dramatic contrast against the greenery, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

These are just a few examples of the many beautiful rhododendrons available. With their diverse range of colors, shapes, and fragrances, rhododendrons can enhance any garden and bring a touch of elegance and charm to any landscape.

5. Which is better azalea or rhododendron?

Whether azaleas or rhododendrons are better depends on your personal preferences and gardening goals. Both types of plants are beautiful and can add a touch of elegance and charm to your garden. However, there are some key differences between the two that may make one a better choice for you than the other.

Azaleas

• Size: Azaleas are generally smaller than rhododendrons, making them a good choice for smaller gardens or borders. They typically grow to be 4 to 6 feet tall and wide.
• Flowers: Azaleas have smaller, funnel-shaped or trumpet-shaped flowers than rhododendrons. They come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, orange, yellow, and purple.
• Blooming time: Azaleas bloom in the spring, typically before rhododendrons.
• Foliage: Azaleas have smaller, thinner leaves than rhododendrons. Their leaves are deciduous, meaning they fall off in the fall.

Rhododendrons

• Size: Rhododendrons are generally larger than azaleas, making them a good choice for larger gardens or as focal points. They can grow to be 8 to 12 feet tall and wide.
• Flowers: Rhododendrons have larger, bell-shaped flowers than azaleas. They come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and yellow.
• Blooming time: Rhododendrons bloom in the spring, typically after azaleas.
• Foliage: Rhododendrons have larger, thicker leaves than azaleas. Their leaves are evergreen, meaning they stay on the plant year-round.

Care

Both azaleas and rhododendrons require similar care. They need well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade. They should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. They also benefit from fertilizer in spring.

6. Are Rhododendrons poisonous to dogs?

Rhododendrons are poisonous to dogs. All parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and nectar, contain grayanotoxins, which are poisonous to dogs. Ingestion of even small amounts of rhododendron can cause serious illness or death in dogs.