Vulcan's Flame Rhododendron

Vulcan’s Flame Rhododendron is an outstanding larger bush, with, yes, bright red flowers in abundance. Especially suited to hotter regions, and hot, more sunny parts of your garden, this vigorous bush grows a foot every couple of years, reaching 5 feet quickly, and ultimately maturing at a substantial 10 feet or so tall and wide. The leaves are large, up to 8 inches long, and a healthy-looking dark green that reflects the overall vigor of this variety. Bright red flowers, 3 inches across, are carried in dense, rounded trusses of up to 15 buds, making a brilliant show indeed. Perfect for background or filling corners of your garden, when not in bloom it makes an attractive evergreen shrub. It’s large enough to even use as a screen, spacing plants about 6 feet apart – imagine what a glorious sight that would be in full bloom.

• Large, bright red flowers in densely-packed trusses topping every branch
• Large, oval leaves are rich, dark green, making a handsome evergreen
• Vigorous and rapid growing, adding a foot every couple of years
• Adapts well to more sun and heat than most other rhododendrons tolerate
• Grows best in acidic soils

You can plant the Vulcan’s Flame Rhododendron in sunny locations, even full sun in cooler zones. In hot areas some afternoon sun is appreciated, but this variety is heat tolerant and ideal for warm, more sunny parts of your garden. Water frequently when establishing is such places, and don’t allow mature plants to become too dry. The soil should have a pH value of 6.0 or less, and be well-drained but rich and generally moist. In sunny spots use plenty of lime-free mulch over the root zone to keep it cool and damp. Hardy in warmer parts of zone 5, where it should be in a warm, sheltered spot. Ignored by deer and generally free of significant pest or disease problems. Note that it is toxic to horses and livestock. Pruning isn’t needed, or recommended.