Sefton Rhododendron

Deep red blooms smothering a wide, dome–shaped bush – what’s not to like in a shrub like the Sefton Rhododendron? It’s also hardy throughout zone 5, and a great choice in colder zones, where choses of rhododendrons are more limited. Big, full, trusses of large, funnel-shaped flowers hide the leaves, and the remarkable very dark red of the blooms is enriched with a deep red-brown blotch inside the flower. Dense foliage of olive-green creates an attractive evergreen when not in bloom, and this plant is well-branched, with a broad, spreading form. A moderate grower, adding 4 to 6 inches a year, it will be 4 feet or more in 10 years, and eventually reaches 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide. A great taller plant behind shorter bushes, or for filling larger spaces, this plant is a ‘must-have’ for anyone who loves the vibrancy and depth of rhododendrons.

• Very large trusses of funnel-shaped flowers
• Deep, rich coloring of strong reds
• Larger bush suitable for background and filling spaces in woodlands
• Olive-green leaves form a dense, broad bush
• Needs acidic soil for good growth and deep leaf colors

Grow the Sefton Rhododendron in rich, moist, but well-drained soil. It should also be acidic, with a pH reading of 6.0 or lower. Always use lime-free materials and composts for preparing the planting area and mulching. Watering may be required in dry periods, even with established plants, as this plant is not drought tolerant. It is fully hardy throughout zone 5, and a great choice for cooler zones. Deer don’t normally eat it, and it rarely has pest or disease problems if grown in suitable soil and light conditions. Don’t prune or trim, but you can remove flower heads immediately after the blossoms fall, to encourage good blooming the next spring. Snap them out just above the topmost leaves. You should be aware that the foliage is toxic to horses, livestock and most other animals.