Rhododendron ‘Wheatley’

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.