Rhododendron, 1 gal, Hellikki

Fragrant, deep violet-red spring blooms mellow to pink with time. Dark green, glossy, evergreen foliage has downy underside. Excellent foundation and border plantings. Prefers peaty, moist, acidic soil. Prune immediately after blooms are spent to control shape.

Attributes

Type: Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Upright, Rounded
Mature Height: 1.25 - 1.5m (4 - 5ft.)
Mature Spread: 1.25 - 1.5m (4 - 5ft.)
Zone: 3
Feature Characteristics: Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

Ornamental Features

Flower Colour: Deep violet-red.
Flowering Time: May - June
Foliage Colour: Dark green

Care

General Maintenance: Apply a thick layer of mulch to keep roots cool, avoiding the crown. Avoid harsh afternoon sun exposures and shelter from drying winter winds.
Light: Partial sun to shade.
Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system.
Soil: Requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils. If in alkaline soils acidify with aluminum sulfate.
Fertilizer: Feed with an acid fertilizer after bloom.