Rhododendron ‘Nestucca’

Offering a ravishing display in mid to late spring, Rhododendron ‘Nestucca’ is a compact, evergreen shrub that produces incredibly beautiful domed-shaped clusters of 12 to 15 flowers. Opening from raspberry pink buds, each openly funnel-shaped white flower, up to 5 in. wide (12 cm), is elegantly frilled and lightly spotted with brown in the throat. The luminous blossoms blanket this midseason Rhododendron hybrid in an exceptional floral display and contrast nicely with the excellent foliage of elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves. Raised and introduced by Hanger/Smith, ‘Nestucca’ results from a cross between Rhododendron fortunei ssp fortunei and Rhododendron degronianum ssp yakushimanumis.  An extremely hardy selection that is also extraordinarily sun and heat tolerant. 

• Grows with a compact, spreading 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 Mid-Atlantic, North East, and South East regions.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Plant shallowly. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
• Perfect for borders, as a flowering hedge or privacy screen, and for containers. Great for small 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.