Molly Ann Rhododendron

Some rhododendrons rise above their brethren to show enormous quality and striking beauty. The Molly Ann Rhododendron has certainly done that, with an outstanding special charm that will make it the queen of your garden. Growing into an exceptionally dense, compact shrub, with relatively small leaves barely 3 inches long that are glossy and dark green, it’s the belle-of-the-ball when spring comes around. It blooms relatively early, and its flowers are gathered into striking, slightly pendulous heads. Each 2-inch bloom is an elongated funnel, with wavy edges and a unique wavy texture. The color is outstanding, a gorgeous soft pink that is rosy but with a hint of peach. Blooming profusely, you will be out every day to enjoy its remarkable charm and stunning beauty. A little slower growing than others, it will nevertheless be 3 feet tall and wide within 10 years, and double that one day. Plant it in a prominent place in your garden beds, in areas dedicated to acid-loving plants, and also in a pot, where you can bring it onto a terrace for full enjoyment when it is in bloom.

• A graceful and elegant variety of exceptional quality
• Stunning clusters of rose-pink flowers that are graceful funnels
• Very dense, compact growth maturing at 6 feet tall and wide
• Excellent choice for growing in pots
• Should be planted in acidic soil

The Molly Ann Rhododendron will grow best with morning sun and afternoon shade, but it also thrives in the light, dappled shade beneath deciduous trees. Plant it in moist, rich soils that are acidic, with a pH value of 6.0 or lower. For growing in a pot, choose a wide one with drainage holes and use lime-free potting soil for azaleas or other acid-loving plants. Hardy in zone 6, pots can be left outdoors all winter in zones 8 and 9. In cooler zones bury the pot in the garden for the winter. Add lime-free compost, rotted leaves, shredded pine bark or pine needles to the soil when planting, and also use it as mulch. Not drought tolerant, this plant should be watered as needed, especially during summer drought periods. Deer resistant, it is also rarely bothered by any pests or diseases. Don’t prune or trim, but when young it is valuable to remove the spent flower heads to encourage profuse blooming. Snap them out just above the topmost leaf.