Whisperingrose Rhododendron

Enjoy beautiful blooms, of course, but also enjoy striking bright coppery new growth, by planting the Whisperingrose Rhododendron. Most rhododendrons are ‘over’ when the blooms fade, but this unique variety has a second act when the new leaves appear, because they are bright, colorful, copper tones. This fades to bright green, with leaves barely 2 inches long on a rounded bush growing to 3 feet in a decade, and double that in time. The flowers are large, almost 3 inches across, in clusters of six, and held horizontally. Flaring and bell-shaped, they are a striking red in bud, opening to bright purplish-pink, and making a vibrant display. This is a great choice for a mid-sized plant in warmer zones, reliably vigorous and full of blooms in the early part of the main rhododendron flowering season, the special coloring and form of this plant makes it a real standout variety.

• Bell-shaped blooms with flaring mouths held horizontally at the ends of the branches
• Bright red buds open to striking purple-pink to red blooms
• New growth that follows the blooms is bright and copper colored
• Compact, mid-sized plant with small, bright green leaves
• Plant in acidic soils for good results

Grow the Whisperingrose Rhododendron in a place with some morning sun, or in the dappled shade beneath tall deciduous trees. It is also ideal at the foot of north-facing walls. Grow it in moist, rich soil that is well-drained, and has a pH value less than 6.0. It isn’t drought tolerant, so water regularly, especially during hot, dry spells. Hardy to zero degrees F, which is zone 7, but could grow in sheltered parts of zone 6 as well. Use lime-free composts to prepare the soil and as mulch to keep the soil cool and damp. Untroubled by deer and generally free of pests or diseases, this plant is toxic to horses and livestock. Best grown without pruning or trimming, but spent flowers can be removed by snapping the flowering shoot just above the topmost leaves.