April Snow Rhododendron

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Sun

(0 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-6 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

April Snow Rhododendron is part of the PJM group of Rhododendrons that have been bred to withstand the cold and snow of winters in the midwest and eastern portions of the United States. April Snow is hardy down to USDA growing zone 4 without sacrificing blooms in mid-spring. Large clusters of pure white, bell-shaped flowers are self-cleaning, with no need for deadheading. The thick, deep-green leaves turn a lovely dark bronze in the fall and winter. 

Rhododendrons can be used as specimen plants and as a backdrop to early and late spring bulbs. Their stoic good looks and evergreen leaves are natural additions to Asian-inspired gardens or modern minimalist designs. Deer rarely browse the thick evergreen leaves, although they may find the newly opened flowers tasty before the shrub matures. Rhododendrons require little annual maintenance after being established.

April Snow Rhododendron Care

Plant Rhododendrons in a partially shaded site that has good drainage all year. Acidic soil pH is best and will keep the foliage color dark and solid. Fertilize with a granular feed, formulated for acid-loving trees and shrubs, once a year. Water the new shrubs weekly for the first 2-3 years. Eventually, the rhododendrons will mature enough to only require supplemental watering during extended periods of drought and heat.

Pruning is not required to shape Rhododendrons into their natural mounded shape. Thinning dense branches inside the shrub as it matures will keep air circulating and encourage more flowering. Deadheading does help to tidy up plants at the end of the summer, but be careful: the flower buds for next year will be forming and are easily damaged. In extreme circumstances, PJM-type Rhododendrons can be rejuvenated using a hard pruning. The best time of year to attempt this is in late spring so that new growth will have a chance to harden off before the following winter.

April Snow Rhododendron Spacing

The overall size of April Snow is 5-6 feet high and 3-4 feet wide. Space the shrubs at 3 feet apart on center when planting with other shrubs. Their roots are not invasive and do not compete with other plants for moisture or nutrients.