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, humusywell-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

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