Besse Howells rhododendron
Rhododendron 'Besse Howells'
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size4 to 6 feet tall4 to 6 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Purplish-red with a red blotch
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Besse Howells' rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Besse Howells') is an evergreen shrub for borders, specimen planting, hedges, and shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Purplish-red flowers with a red blotch open in early to late spring and draw hummingbirds and bees. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. You can prune it after flowering.
Pairs well with Japanese forest grass, Autumn fern, and Japanese maple.