Rhododendron April Rose
Slightly fragrant and exceptionally cold hardy, Rhododendron ‘April Rose’ is prized for its early spring blooms. This semi-dwarf evergreen shrub bears elegant, widely funnel-shaped, double, purplish-red flowers, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), at the branch tips in early to mid-spring.
Slightly fragrant and exceptionally cold hardy, Rhododendron 'April Rose' is prized for its early spring blooms. This semi-dwarf evergreen shrub bears elegant, widely funnel-shaped, double, purplish-red flowers, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), at the branch tips in early to mid-spring. The foliage of elliptic, flat, deep green leaves turns reddish-bronze in fall. Rhododendron 'April Rose' results from a cross between (minus Carolinianum Group x mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink') x (white flowered dauricum x dauricum). A very reliable performer, this Lepidote Rhododendron is tough and can withstand temperatures as low as -25ºF (-31ºC). It makes a lovely accent shrub that is pleasing to the eye.
- Grows with a broad upright 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 Great Lakes and South Central regions.
- This plant is easily grown in sun to part shade 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 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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas – Rhododendrons, Rhododendrons – Azaleas |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid)Fall |
Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36″ – 48″ (90cm – 120cm) |
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, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |