Elizabeth Rhododendron

The variety of rhododendrons never fails to amaze, and for a different look, consider planting the Elizabeth Rhododendron in your garden. The rich-red flowers are tubular, with a distinctive bell-like shape, and they are held horizontally, giving a charming look that is distinct from the usual flamboyant flower-balls of most varieties. The evergreen leaves are about 4 inches long, and the whole plant develops into a graceful mound about 3 feet tall and wide, one day reaching as much as 5 feet. It’s a great addition to an existing collection of these stunning plants, or it could be your first venture into the world of rhododendrons. It’s a great choice for warmer zones, being only fully hardy in zone 7, but it’s more tolerant of heat and humidity than most. Use it around your home, in mixed beds, in woodland glades, or in an area dedicated to these plants, along with azaleas, camellias, Pieris, hostas, ferns, and other lovers of partial shade and acid soils. Also, this variety often has a second blooming in fall – What a bonus!!

• Bell-like flowers in horizontal clusters tip every branch
• Bright-red, 3-inch blooms in clusters
• Often repeat-blooms in fall
• Moderate size is perfect for smaller beds in any garden
• Plant in acidic soils for good results

Some morning sun will suit the Elizabeth Rhododendron, but for the rest of the day it should be shady. It is also happy all day in the light shade beneath deciduous trees, or at the base of a north-facing wall. Avoid areas of heavy shade. It should be grown in a rich, moist but well-drained soil that is also acidic, with a pH of 6.0 or less. Water regularly, both while new and while established, and use mulch over the root-zone, as this plant isn’t drought tolerant. It is only hardy through zone 7, but may also grow in a sheltered spot, with some extra care, in warmer parts of zone 6. Enrich the soil with lime-free composts or peat, and be generous with mulch, but keep it away from the trunk and branches. Deer won’t eat it, and it normally has no problems if the light and soil are appropriate. Toxic to horses and other livestock. No pruning is needed, but young plants will benefit from being dead-headed. Do this by snapping out the spend flower head, just above the topmost leaves.