Minnetonka Rhododendron

Minnetonka Rhododendron is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with a compact mounding habit and glossy dark green foliage.  Large clusters of deep red-violet buds open to violet flowers with lighter faces and a yellow speckles that bloom in mid spring.  A very versatile plant that prefers morning or partial sun with acidic rich, well-drained soils. 

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  A low maintenance plant.  Moderate water needs, properly drained soils is a must to avoid root rot.  Mulch helps to keep roots from drying out. Keep away from drip lines of the walnut family. Acidify soils as needed (PH range of 5 to 6.5) Can use sulfur or iron sulfate to lower ph, and lime or limestone to raise PH. Buds grow on old growth in winter, so if need to prune do so after the spring bloom.  Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust. 

LANDSCAPE USES:  Mass or Specimen Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Hydrangea, Viburnum, Camelia

IMAGES: Photo by David J. Stang, Rhododendron Minnetonka 4zz, CC BY-SA 4.0, (2) Famartin, 2020-05-08 15 16 47 Minnetonka Rhododendron starting to bloom along Tranquility Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) Famartin, 2021-05-07 08 00 47 Minnetonka Rhododendron starting to bloom along Tranquility Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown