Snow Lady Rhododendron

As white as snow, the Snow Lady Rhododendron is a striking beauty that is more shade tolerant than most rhododendrons. That means it can glow out from a shady spot like a spotlight, brightening those shady areas, and is a perfect companion for hostas and ferns. Of course it also thrives alongside other rhododendrons, working the magic of white in turning a cacophony of colors into a symphony of beauty. A medium-sized evergreen shrub, use it behind lower-growing azaleas for example, or to tastefully brighten natural woodland areas. The large flowers – a full 2 ½ inches across – are held in trusses of 8 buds, making a bold showing against the dark-green foliage. The leaves are small, no more than 1 ½ inches long – and are hairy like an azalea, contrasting well with the more typical large, leathery leaves of other varieties. With its broad, open form it will be 4 feet wide and 3 feet tall within a decade, and double that at maturity.

• Large, snow-white flowers with prominent brown anthers
• Unusual smaller, hairy leaves of dark green
• Broader than tall, with a spreading, open form
• Flowers well in more shade than most other varieties
• Should be grown in moist, acidic soils

The Snow Lady Rhododendron is more shade tolerant than many other varieties, but it shouldn’t be grown in deep, dark shade. It will also grow well with a little morning sunlight, and thrives beneath open deciduous trees. The north side of a building or tall fence is also a great location for it. The soil should be rich and moist, but also well-drained, and be prepared to water during dry spells. Use plenty of lime-free organic additives when planting, and as mulch, to conserve moisture. This variety is relatively cold sensitive, and can only be grown in zone 7 or warmer areas. No pruning or trimming is needed, and is best avoided, except immediately after flowering if you must. While young, removing spent flower heads immediately will help encourage more blooms the following year, but don’t remove any foliage. Deer, pests, or diseases are rarely problems.