Evergreen
Minnetonka rhododendron
Rhododendron 'Minnetonka'
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Rhododendron 'Minnetonka' is a dense, low-growing evergreen shrub with lavender-pink to purple flowers marked by contrasting spots in midseason. It reaches about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide at maturity; a ten-year plant may be closer to 2½ feet tall and 3 feet wide. Its compact form suits a shaded shrub border or a planting near a path where there is room for its full spread. In Southwest Washington, give it a sheltered site with dappled shade, acidic soil that drains well, and steady moisture through summer. Mulch over its shallow roots, and prune soon after flowering if shaping is needed.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 3 feet
- Mature spread
- About 4 feet
- Light
- Sheltered, dappled shade
- Hardiness
- USDA Zone 5
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
The dense, low-growing form fits a shaded shrub border or a planting near a path. Allow room for its roughly 4-foot mature spread.
Where to plant
Choose a sheltered position with dappled shade. Give the shrub space to widen without crowding a walkway or neighboring plants.
Through the seasons
Spotted lavender-pink to purple flowers appear in midseason. The foliage remains evergreen after bloom.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
In Southwest Washington, maintain moisture through dry summer weather. Check foliage for lace bug and watch for signs of root trouble where drainage is poor.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in acidic, moist but well-drained soil. Water consistently through summer, especially while the shrub establishes.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Mulch over the shallow roots to help retain moisture. If shaping is needed, prune soon after flowering so next year's buds can develop.
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.
Phytophthora root rot
Stunted growth, yellowish leaves, wilting, branch dieback, and rotting roots.
Help your plant thrive
Plant in well-drained soil using disease-free plants. Remove infected plants and avoid moving contaminated debris.
Rhododendron lace bug
Pale stippling above and dark, crusty deposits beneath leaves; repeated infestations can yellow the foliage.
Help your plant thrive
Check leaf undersides in early summer. Dislodge early infestations by hand or with a strong water spray beneath the leaves.
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CC BY-SA 4.0 · Web-optimized
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Nova Zembla rhododendron
Rhododendron hybrid 'Nova Zembla'
Red spring flower trusses rise above evergreen foliage on this substantial rounded shrub; provide acidic, freely draining soil, summer moisture, and protection from afternoon heat.
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