Evergreen

Rhododendron 'Kalinka'

Rhododendron 'Kalinka' is a compact, rounded evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and red buds that open into ruffled ruby-pink flowers in spring, then fade to paler pink. In a Southwest Washington garden, it can anchor a shrub border or provide a flowering presence near a path, with room to grow about 6 feet high and wide at maturity. Plants may be closer to 4 feet in each direction after ten years. Its roots need acidic soil that drains freely but stays moist; supply water through dry spells. Full sun to light shade is suitable, though partial shade can reduce leaf sunscald during hot weather.

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At a glance

Mature height: About 6 ft
Mature spread: About 6 ft
Light: Full sun to light shade
Hardiness: USDA zones 5–8

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Its rounded evergreen form can give a shrub border year-round structure, with pink flowers in spring. Allow for a mature width of about 6 feet.

Where to plant

Choose full sun to light shade, with room for the shrub to reach about 6 feet across. Partial shade can reduce leaf sunscald during hot weather.

Through the seasons

Red buds open to ruffled ruby-pink flowers in spring, fading to paler pink. Dark green foliage remains through the year.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

This cultivar is recommended for maritime Northwest gardens. In Southwest Washington, maintain moisture through dry weather and avoid poorly drained planting sites.

Soil, drainage & water

Provide acidic soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. During dry spells, check the root area and water as needed, especially in sunnier positions.

A little care goes a long way