Rhododendron 'Wheatley'
Wheatley' Rhododendron, Midseason Rhododendron, Evergreen Rhododendron
One of the most popular pink Rhododendrons in the Northeast region, Rhododendron 'Wheatley' is a very fragrant beauty that makes onlookers stop and gasp. Blooming heavily in mid-spring, this evergreen shrub bears stunning rounded trusses of impressive size counting up to 16 luminescent, pale purplish-pink, frilled flowers. Each large bloom, up to 3 in. wide (7 cm), emerges from hot pink flower buds and displays darker shaded edges and lime green rays in its throat. The elliptic, light green leaves are smooth with crisp edges and remain handsome all year round. 'Wheatley' is the best-known result of a cross of 'Westbury' and 'Meadowbrook' made by Howard Phipps. Since its introduction in 1958, 'Wheatley' has always been an outstanding competitor for the place of honor in gardens and shows. Cold hardy, this open multi-stemmed shrub can withstand temperatures as low as -15°F (-26°C).
- Grows with a more or less rounded form, 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 region.
- A part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. 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, hedges or screens, 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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid) |
Height | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spread | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 72" – 120" (180cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid) |
Height | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spread | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 72" – 120" (180cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons