Blood Moon Rhododendron

Blood Moon rhododendron has fantastic true red flowers that seem to glow in late spring. The large trusses of bell-shaped flowers open in time for Mothers Day in mid-May and remain for weeks. The large glossy green leaves remain attractive 12 months of the year and make for a fantastic backdrop for a rotation of spring, summer, and fall blooming perennials. This rhododendron would make a dramatic statement in any garden bed or foundation planting. Blood Moon rhododendron is the perfect size for a small garden or mixed evergreen hedge. It naturally develops a mounding and upright growth habit with nearly no maintenance necessary. Deer are never a problem for rhododendrons, and rabbits prefer less woody and tough-leaved plants. Early native pollinators love to forage among the single-petal blooms of Blood Moon in search of its sweet nectar. Blood Moon Rhododendron Care Blood Moon blooms best in 4-6 hours of direct sunlight with protection from hot afternoon sun. Choose a location with acidic soil, as rhododendron foliage will turn chlorotic and yellow in soils that are neutral or alkaline. Consistent watering is required for the first 2-3 years to allow the root system to establish well. Provide at least one inch of water per week during the growing season, including late summer and fall. The buds for next year's flowers develop over this period and require consistent moisture for healthy blooms. Fertilize in the late winter with a food formulated for acid-loving perennials and shrubs. Deadheading is generally the only type of pruning required. Removing the spent flowers will help to lightly shape the plant. Rejuvenation pruning is best done early in the summer after blooming has ended. Cutting into old wood will encourage dense new growth over the next year or two. Do not remove more than one-third of the shrub's branches at one time to prevent shock. Rhododendrons can be grown for a few years in large planters, but will eventually need to be planted in the ground. The root ball will become too large for most pots and will benefit from the natural moisture and nutrients in the ground. Blood Moon Rhododendron Spacing The mature height and width of Blood Moon rhododendron is 6-8 feet. Space plants 7 feet apart or more when planning a garden bed. Rhododendrons grown as a hedge may be planted 6 feet apart from the center of each plant to create a uniform look.