Prized for its remarkably pretty flowers and extreme cold hardiness, Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' is a vigorous small evergreen shrub which produces large rounded trusses of brilliant red flowers. Blooming in mid to late spring, each trumpet-shaped flower is delicately splashed with deep maroon blotches on their upper lobes. Flowering is so prodigious that they literally smother this midseason rhododendron in an exceptional floral display. The evergreen foliage of elliptic, glossy, thick and dark green leaves does not develop any appreciable fall color. Raised and introduced by Koster & Sons, 'Nova Zembla' features stout trunks with thick stems, their bark becoming scaly and very attractive over time. This Catawba hybrid is regarded as one of the most popular red rhododendron for severe climates. It is also tolerant of heat and sun.

• Grows with an upright habit, up to 6-8 ft. tall (180-240 cm) and 5-7 ft. wide (150-210 cm)
• A 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 mould to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
• Perfect for borders, as a flowering hedge or privacy screen and for foundation plantings.
• Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and birds. 
• Removing spent flowers promotes new growth
• All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested