Holden's Pink Rhododendron

Size

Holdens Pink is one of the hardiest and most disease-resistant Rhododendrons available. The whole series of Holdens hybrids are highly resistant to Phytophthora root rot disease, while still producing a fabulous display of spring blooms. The deeply colored evergreen foliage is leathery and thick and makes a great year-round backdrop for any garden border. The compact shape of Holdens Pink requires only light pruning after flowering to maintain a tidy, well-kept appearance. Holdens Pink Rhododendron is cold hardy and rarely browsed by deer or rabbits. Grow rhododendrons with other acid-loving plants such as azalea, pieris, and mountain laurel for an easy planting with four seasons of interest. Holdens Pink stays compact enough to grow for many years in containers to decorate decks, patios, or front entryways. Holdens Pink Rhododendron Care Rhododendrons require acidic soil and good drainage to stay healthy. This shrub prefers full sun in cooler climates, and part shade in areas with hot summers. Water the shrubs consistently during the initial establishment period, typically for one to two years. As the plants mature, they will become more drought tolerant and may only require supplemental watering during long stretches of heat and drought. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation will make watering an easier chore and keep the foliage and flowers dry and less susceptible to disease. Mulch the root zone with 2-3 inches of compost or other organic material to aid in weed suppression and bulk up the soil so that it holds moisture longer. Deadheading may be the only pruning necessary for Holdens Pink. Carefully snip spent flower clusters as they brown, being careful to not damage any buds forming further back on the branch. Prune for shape immediately after flowering to avoid removing next season's buds. For old, overgrown shrubs, all growth can be cut back hard at the end of winter after all danger of frost has passed. The rhododendron may take several years to recover from hard pruning. Holdens Pink Rhododendron Spacing The smaller size of Holdens Pink Rhododendron makes it a perfect fit for smaller gardens or the middle of a garden border. With a height of 4-5 feet and a spread of 4-6 feet, space this evergreen at 4 feet on the center. This will allow for dense growth as well as plenty of air circulation. Plant in a container with a heavy bottom that has at least a 5-gallon capacity, or 20-inch diameter. Rhododendrons grown in containers may stay significantly smaller than those grown in a garden bed and will require supplemental watering even through the winter in dry climates.