Rhododendron
Best varieties: PJM (compact, cold-hardy), Roseum Elegans, Yakushimanum hybrids, Nova Zembla
Easy
Shrub
❄️ Frost Hardy
🐾 Pet Safe
🌲 PNW Growing Notes
Washington’s state flower—grows naturally in PNW forests. Prefers acidic soil (common in Seattle). Provides year-round evergreen structure with spectacular spring blooms.
☀️ Light
Part shade to filtered sun
💧 Water
Regular, consistent moisture
🪨 Soil
Acidic (pH 4.5–5.5), well-drained, rich in organic matter
📏 Spacing
60" apart
📅 Planting Timeline (Seattle)
🪴
Transplant Outdoors
Fall or spring
🌸
Bloom Season
Apr–Jun
💡 Pro Tip
Never plant too deep—rhododendrons have shallow root systems. Mulch with acidic material (pine bark) but keep mulch away from trunk.
🤝 Companion Planting
✅ Good Companions
Azaleas, Ferns, Hostas, Blueberries