Evergreen

Arthur Bedford rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Arthur Bedford'

Rhododendron 'Arthur Bedford' is an evergreen shrub with glossy dark-green leaves and pale lavender-purple flowers marked dark red-purple in late spring. Its upright to spreading form reaches about 5–8 feet tall and wide at maturity; a cultivar register records about 6½ feet of growth in ten years. Give it room in a sheltered border where the spring display can be seen and the foliage provides year-round structure. Sun to partial shade suits it, with acidic, humus-rich soil that stays moist but drains well. In Southwest Washington, protect it from strong wind and frost pockets, and water through dry summer periods.

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At a glance

Mature height: About 5–8 feet
Mature spread: About 5–8 feet
Light: Sun to partial shade
Hardiness: H6 (UK hardiness rating)

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Allow space for an upright to spreading shrub about 5–8 feet tall and wide. Its evergreen foliage adds structure to a border after the late-spring flowers fade.

Where to plant

Choose a sheltered site in sun to partial shade, away from strong winds and frost pockets. Leave room for the shrub's mature spread.

Through the seasons

Pale lavender-purple flowers with dark red-purple markings appear in late spring. Glossy dark-green leaves remain through the year.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

Rhododendrons grow in Pacific Northwest gardens, though local performance of this cultivar has not been established. Check soil moisture during dry summer spells and water before it dries out.