Francesca Rhododendron captivates with glossy green leaves and brilliant clusters of bold red blossoms that open in late spring. Each trumpet-shaped bloom is accented by subtle burgundy markings, creating a remarkable color display on a rounded, robust shrub that can reach about six feet tall and wide. These long-lasting flowers emerge from dark buds that highlight just how striking the red tones can be. Many gardeners appreciate the sturdy presence and lush form of Rhododendron ‘Francesca,’ making it an excellent focal point in nearly any setting.
Though non-fragrant, Francesca Rhododendron exudes quiet charm through its distinctive, elegant petals and appealing dark green foliage. Bred for resilience, it handles colder weather down to -10°F (roughly Zone 5) and remains evergreen for year-round color. Its semi-upright, branching structure makes it versatile for a range of uses: try it in a woodland border, as an accent near entryways, or planted in decorative containers. Since it’s known for strong performance and minimal susceptibility to disease, many gardeners find it relatively simple to maintain. Pollinators, especially bees, frequent these late-spring blooms, adding movement and life to your landscape.
Francesca Rhododendron Care
To plant, select an area with partial shade or morning sun and consistent moisture, ensuring the soil drains well yet stays moderately damp. Francesca Rhododendron loves acidic soil, so consider mixing in peat moss or other organic material to keep pH on the lower side. Water thoroughly at planting and provide mulch around the root zone to lock in moisture. During the growing season, supply even hydration—neither bone-dry nor boggy—while fertilizing with acid-loving formulas in early spring and again after flowering. Check the leaves occasionally for signs of stress, and adjust watering or soil conditions accordingly.
Pruning needs are fairly minimal. Snip off spent clusters shortly after flowering if you want a tidier shape and to channel energy toward new growth. If the plant becomes leggy, reduce longer branches to promote denser foliage. Light thinning in late winter or after blooms fade helps maintain an attractive, free-flowering form. Container-grown plants can be lightly trimmed to encourage even branching.
Francesca Rhododendron Spacing
Allow five to six feet of space if you aim for a relaxed, informal grouping or a natural-looking hedge for shrubs of this size. In a narrower planting, four feet may suffice, but do be mindful of healthy airflow. For container cultivation, opt for a sturdy pot that’s several inches larger than the root ball, accommodating steady growth. Keep in mind that bigger containers can hold excess moisture around the roots, so select an appropriately sized pot for healthy root development.
- SKU:
- 1231004881-pc
Container Sizes
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
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
2.5 Quart
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
#1 Pot
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
#2 Pot
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
#3 Pot
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations