Nova Zembla Rhododendron

Nova Zembla Rhododendron is a small dense evergreen shrub with an upright habit and leathery dark green foliage.  Large rounded clusters of brilliant red flowers with darker spotting bloom in spring.  A very versatile plant that prefers morning or partial sun with acidic rich, well-drained soils.  Azaleas are excellent pollination and butterfly attractors.

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, Native Gardens, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Hydrangea, Viburnum, Camelia

IMAGES: Jerzy Opioła, Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' r1, CC BY-SA 3.0, (2) Photo by David J. Stang, Rhododendron catawbiense Nova Zembla 0zz, CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) Photo by David J. Stang, Rhododendron Nova Zembla 1zz, CC BY-SA 4.0

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