Rhododendron ‘April Rose’

Slightly fragrant and exceptionally cold hardy, Rhododendron ‘April Rose’ is prized for its early spring blooms. This semi-dwarf evergreen shrub bears elegant, widely funnel-shaped, double, purplish-red flowers, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), at the branch tips in early to mid-spring. The foliage of elliptic, flat, deep green leaves turns reddish-bronze in fall. Rhododendron ‘April Rose’ results from a cross between (minus Carolinianum Group x mucronulatum ‘Cornell Pink’) x (white flowered dauricum x dauricum). A very reliable performer, this Lepidote Rhododendron is tough and can withstand temperatures as low as -25ºF (-31ºC). It makes a lovely accent shrub that is pleasing to the eye.

• Grows with a broad upright habit, up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm).
• Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the Great Lakes and South Central regions.
• This plant is easily grown in sun to part shade in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Tolerates a fair amount of sun in cool northern summers. Plant shallowly in a location protected from strong winter winds. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
• Perfect for shrub borders or mixed borders, as a flowering hedge or privacy screen, foundation plantings, and shade gardens. Great for small gardens too!
• Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.
• Removing spent flowers promotes new growth.
• All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.