Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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.
April Snow Rhododendron Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Shade to Part Sun (0-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 5-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Mid to Late Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Medium Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- April Snow Rhododendron
- Botanical Name
- Rhododendron 'April Snow'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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