Evergreen
Trocadero rhododendron
Rhododendron 'Trocadero'
Rhododendron 'Trocadero' is a compact evergreen shrub with glossy dark green leaves and clusters of red flowers marked more deeply on their upper lobes. Flowers may open in early to mid-June, though local timing may shift. At ten years, the registered plant measured about 3½ feet tall and 4¼ feet wide; these are not final mature dimensions, so leave room for further growth. In Southwest Washington, place it where dappled shade protects foliage from hot sun. Acidic, organic-rich, well-drained soil and steady summer moisture support rhododendrons. Its relatively low, broad form suits a shaded shrub border or planting near a path.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 3½ ft at 10 years
- Mature spread
- About 4¼ ft at 10 years
- Light
- Dappled shade
- Hardiness
- Generally hardy to USDA Zone 5
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
The compact, broad habit can fit a shaded shrub border or a planting near a path. Leave room for growth beyond its recorded ten-year spread.
Where to plant
Choose dappled shade, particularly where hot afternoon sun could scorch leaves. Give the shrub enough room to grow beyond its ten-year measurements.
Through the seasons
Clusters of red flowers with darker upper-lobe markings appear around early to mid-June, depending on the site. Glossy dark green leaves remain year-round.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Pacific Northwest gardens often suit rhododendrons, but this cultivar's exact performance in Southwest Washington is uncertain.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in acidic, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Keep the shallow root area consistently moist, especially during summer.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Prune soon after flowering if shaping is needed. Later pruning can remove the following year’s flower buds.
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 and use disease-free plants. Remove and destroy infected plants.
Rhododendron lace bug
Pale stippling above the leaves and dark, crusty deposits beneath them.
Help your plant thrive
Check leaf undersides, especially on plants in sunnier spots. A strong stream of water can reduce insects.
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