Cynthia Rhododendron

If you haven’t bothered with rhododendrons because you think they need cool conditions, that isn’t true for all of them. This one, the Cynthia Rhododendron, is renowned for its tolerance of sun and heat, and is the perfect choice for gardeners in hotter parts of the country. Yet it is also hardy into zone 5, so most of you can grow it. Forming a large shrub, 6 feet tall within 10 years and maturing up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet across, this magnificent plant has large, leathery leaves up to 6 inches long, and looks great even when not in bloom. The huge trusses of flowers, each over 3 inches across, smother the plant at the height of the rhododendron season, and their can be as many as 24 flowers in each truss. They are funnel-shaped, with frilly petal edges, and a brilliant rose-pink, sporting a darker patch inside the bloom. A wonderful choice for a southern garden, and perfect for planting around your home, or among azaleas and camellias.

• Large flowers in conical heads, bright rose-pink with a darker spot inside
• Leaves are leathery, 6-inches long, and dark green
• Fantastic tolerance of sun and heat – ideal for the south-east
• Great part of your foundation planting, or among azaleas and camellias
• Should be planted in an acidic soil for the best performance

The Cynthia Rhododendron grows well in light shade, but it tolerates lots of sun, and hot conditions too. It’s ideal for hotter areas, but it is also hardy in warmer parts of zone 5. Grow it in rich, well-drained soil that is also moist, as it has limited tolerance of dry conditions. Use lime-free compost to enrich the soil when you plant, and use more as mulch over the roots, to conserve moisture and to feed it. The soil must have a pH value of 6.0 or preferably less, with values around 5.0 being ideal. In border-line soils use chelated iron products in spring and fall. This tough plant is generally free of pests or diseases and isn’t eaten by deer. It is toxic to horses and cattle. The leaves hang down during cold winter weather – this is normal and not a cause for concern. Pruning isn’t normally needed – let your plant grow naturally.