Rhododendron ‘Mount Saint Helens’

Prized for its multi-colored blooms and remarkable cold hardiness, Rhododendron ‘Mount Saint Helens’ is a stunning, medium-sized, deciduous Azalea. Opening from red buds in late spring to early summer, it bears abundant rounded trusses of 11 trumpet-shaped, rich salmon-pink flowers with a bold golden-orange blotch for the most striking display. Extremely floriferous, this Girard hybrid features handsome foliage of olive green leaves that turns golden-bronze in fall. This late midseason Azalea is quite tough and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C), without having its flower buds damaged.

• Grows with an upright, spreading habit, up to 5-6 ft. tall and wide (150-180 cm).
• Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the Great Lakes, South West, and South Central regions.
• A sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown 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.
• 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.