Rhododendron mucronulatum ‘Cornell Pink’

Exceptionally cold-hardy and decorative, Rhododendron mucronulatum ‘Cornell Pink’ is also prized for its early spring blooms. This medium-sized deciduous shrub bears graceful clusters of 2 to 3 broadly funnel-shaped, clear pink flowers, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), on bare branches from mid-winter to early spring. This mucronulatum hybrid puts on a spectacular show for two solid weeks when very little else is blooming. No doubt onlookers will stop and admire it. The foliage of lanceolate, dark green leaves is deciduous, unlike most other lepidote Rhododendrons, but they turn yellow and bronze before falling. A very reliable performer, ‘Cornell Pink’ is tough and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C). It makes a lovely accent shrub that is pleasing to the eye and a great companion to early daffodils and other spring bulbs.

• Grows with an open, twiggy habit, up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the Mid-Atlantic region.
• 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. Great for containers and 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.
• Rhododendron mucronulatum is native to Korea, Japan, and northern China.