Evergreen
Cherry Cheesecake rhododendron
Rhododendron hybrid 'Cherry Cheesecake'
Cherry Cheesecake combines pale spring flowers with deep pink-red edges and darker red markings against evergreen leaves. Its compact mound, around 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, suits a border accent or foundation grouping with adequate room. Filtered light or partial shade protects the foliage from harsh afternoon exposure. In Southwest Washington, prepare acidic, organic soil that holds moisture while draining freely; mulch cannot make saturated ground suitable. Water during dry spells, avoid cultivation around shallow roots, and shape modestly if needed. Like other rhododendrons, its foliage and flowers are toxic if eaten, so consider pets, children, and livestock.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- 4–5 ft
- Mature spread
- 4–5 ft
- Light
- Filtered light to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 5–7
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Protected shrub borders and woodland edges suit this compact evergreen rhododendron. Plant singly or in small groups, leaving enough room around each shrub for the spring flowers to show.
Where to plant
Allow around 4–5 feet for the rounded shrub to develop. Choose partial or dappled shade, avoid harsh afternoon exposure, and keep the shallow root area away from regular cultivation.
Through the seasons
Pale spring flowers have deep pink-red edges and a darker red marking. The foliage remains evergreen after flowering.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Maritime gardens can provide suitable conditions when acidic soil, drainage, and summer moisture are managed. Check for wet-season saturation before planting and arrange dry-season watering for the shallow roots.
Soil, drainage & water
Needs acidic, organic soil that retains moisture while draining freely. Mulch without burying the crown, keep shallow roots from drying out, and avoid planting in ground that stays waterlogged.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Remove spent flower clusters if desired and keep shaping light. Avoid digging around the shallow roots, and check soil moisture and acidity if foliage yellows or growth becomes weak.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Root rot
Yellowing, wilting, poor growth, or dying branches can occur when roots remain too wet.
Help your plant thrive
Improve drainage before planting and keep the crown from being buried too deeply. Check irrigation if the shrub wilts while its soil is wet.
Lace bug damage
Leaves can develop pale stippling or look yellowed after repeated feeding.
Help your plant thrive
Inspect leaf undersides for insects and feeding signs. Reduce heat and drought stress, then choose treatment only after confirming the pest.
A little more inspiration
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CC BY-SA 4.0 · Web-optimized
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Nova Zembla rhododendron
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