Evergreen

Wine and Roses rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Wine and Roses'

Rhododendron 'Wine and Roses' is a compact evergreen shrub with pink spring flowers and leaves that show red-purple undersides. In a Southwest Washington garden, its foliage gives a shaded border structure after flowering ends. Expect a mature plant about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide; a ten-year size near 4 feet is an estimate, not its final limit. Give it partial shade, especially protection from hot afternoon sun, and acidic, organic soil that stays moist but drains freely. Its shallow roots benefit from mulch and steady summer watering. Allow room for its full spread along a woodland edge or near a foundation.

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At a glance

Mature height: About 3–5 feet
Mature spread: About 3–5 feet
Light: Partial shade; protect from hot afternoon sun
Hardiness: Generally USDA Zone 6 or warmer

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Its evergreen foliage and pink spring bloom suit a woodland edge or acid-soil shrub border. Allow about 3 to 5 feet of width when placing it near a foundation.

Where to plant

Choose partial shade with protection from hot afternoon sun. Where winter drainage is poor, plant high in a raised area and leave the shallow root zone undisturbed.

Through the seasons

Pink flowers appear in spring. Red-purple leaf undersides add interest to the evergreen foliage through the rest of the year.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

Southwest Washington's maritime conditions can suit this rhododendron when its roots drain well and receive summer moisture. Winter-saturated soil raises the risk of root rot.

Soil, drainage & water

Provide acidic, organic soil that holds moisture while draining freely. Keep the shallow roots from drying out in summer or remaining saturated in winter.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Mulch over the shallow roots and water during summer dry spells. Remove spent flower clusters after bloom where practical, taking care around new growth.

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