Rhododendron 'Besse Howells' ~ Besse Howells Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Besse Howells' ~ Besse Howells RhododendronBesse Howells Rhododendron is a dense mounded evergreen shrub with thick, glossy dark green foliage. The large clusters of ruffled purple pink flowers with a dark red blotch bloom in late spring. A very versatile plant that prefers morning or partial sun with rich, well drained acidic soils. Type: Shrub Height: 4 6 Spread: 4 6 Spacing: 5 USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 9 Culture: Part Sun Bloom Color: Pink Season of Interest: Spring, Year Round MAINTENANCE

Besse Howells Rhododendron is a dense mounded evergreen shrub with thick, glossy dark green foliage.  The large clusters of ruffled purple-pink flowers with a dark red blotch bloom in late spring.  A very versatile plant that prefers morning or partial sun with rich, well-drained acidic soils. 

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  A low maintenance plant.  Moderate water needs, properly drained soils is a must to avoid root rot.  Mulch helps to keep roots from drying out. Keep away from drip lines of the walnut family. Acidify soils as needed (PH range of 5 to 6.5) Can use sulfur or iron sulfate to lower ph, and lime or limestone to raise PH. Buds grow on old growth in winter, so if need to prune do so after the spring bloom.  Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Mass or Specimen Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Hydrangea, Astilbe, Bleeding Hearts

IMAGES: Photo by David J. Stang, Rhododendron Besse Howells 1zz, CC BY-SA 4.0, (2) Photo by David J. Stang, Rhododendron Besse Howells 0zz, CC BY-SA 4.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown