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Photo by Drew Avery

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Rhododendron barbatum

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 10'-20'
W: 10'-20'

planting zones

7b-9b

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Rhododendron barbatum plant details

Rhododendron barbatum is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring red flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rhododendron barbatum

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 10 FT - 20 FT - wide, 10 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, rare, showy, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rhododendron barbatum

USDA Zones: 7b - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture

Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A beautiful, large, spreading shrub or tree (to 60'!) with attractively peeling bark, colorful stems, and dense, globe heads of bell-shaped, crimson or scarlet flowers in the spring; PSh-Shade/M/Acid Soil

By: Forestfarm

Large evergreen shrubs or small trees with an upright, well-branched habit and beautiful exfoliating reddish to purple-brown bark. The dark green leaves typically have a bristly petiole and are quite attractive against the colorful flowers and bark. A stunning large round truss of deep red flowers in early spring. These are grown from my collection of wild seed in the eastern Himalaya.

By: Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

This beauty blooms bright scarlet. Its flowers sit atop medium sized elliptic lanceolate leaves that have interesting bullate texture. The added bonus of smooth, reddish plum colored bark, which develops as the plant ages, is one more reason to appreciate this lovely plant. (Subgenus Hymenthes, Subsect. Barbata)