Rhododendron Nova Zembla

The exotic looking blooms of Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' appear in early May, and are produced in large, showy clusters. Each bright red flower is distinctively marked at the centre with violet-brown. If positioned in full sun, the blooms fade to a strong pink which is equally eye-catching. The flowers contrast beautifully with the glossy, dark green foliage which covers this well branched shrub all year, growing into a rounded evergreen shrub over time. A great choice for an exotic planting scheme on acid soils, or for adding colour and structure to mixed borders, 'Nova Zembla' also makes a great specimen in a container, where they can be moved out of the early morning sun. Rhododendrons are low-maintenance shrubs that will perform superbly provided you plant them well and keep them well-watered. They mostly prefer bright to dappled shade or partial shade, avoiding morning sunlight which can damage buds. As Rhododendron roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients, they shouldn't be planted too deeply - remember that they often grow in shallow cracks on mountainsides. Soil does need to be on the acidic side and rich in humus, cool and always moist which will allow established plants to withstand direct mid-day and afternoon sun. Supplied as an established plant in a 21cm pot, 'Nova Zembla' will reach a height and spread of 1.75m (6ft) and suits container growing perfectly.