Nova Zembla Rhododendron
Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' 

Foliage: Medium green
Fall Foliage: Green
Fruit: Insignificant
​Habit/Form: Upright
​Uses: Mass planting, foundation, mixed borders

Zone Hardiness:  4 - 8
Plant Height:  6 - 8 ft
Plant Width: 5 - 7  ft 
Light: Sun/part shade
​Growth Rate: Medium

Prized for its gorgeous flowers, 'Nova Zembla' produces large rounded trusses of brilliant bright red flowers with deep maroon blotches on its upper lobes. Blooming in mid to late spring, the flowering is so prodigious that they smother this midseason rhododendron in an exceptional floral display. This Catawba hybrid is one of the most popular red rhododendrons. One of the iron-clad rhododendrons, an informal name that indicates rhododendrons that are easy to grow and are hardy. It needs to have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil. Use plenty of peat moss when planting. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Rabbit tolerant.​