- Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 5 - 8 Feet
- Mature Spread 5 - 8 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
Broadleaf evergreen shrubs are the backbone of a well planned garden. They can be used for year-round interest because of their foliage or because of a particularly beautiful bloom. Hot Dawn fits the criteria on both accounts. The intense reddish-purple bloom is large and lasts a good long time. The smaller leaf shape and overall compact size of this Rhododendron is good for contrasting with finer leaf perennials and shrubs.Â
Hot Dawn is a slower growing variety of Rhododendron that makes it possible to grow in a container. Gardeners with small gardens that thought they would never have the room for a spring blooming Rhododendron will rejoice!
Hot Dawn Rhododendron Care
Rhododendrons need almost no care to look their best after they have been established. Plant them in average, well drained soil that is on the acidic side. Regular waiting the first couple years will be needed to get a nice strong root base. Longer watering less often will encourage their notoriously shallow growing roots to seek water deeper. Using drip irrigation or a soaker hose will help to keep the trunk and leaves dry. Rhododendrons do not like to have wet leaves.Â
Rhododendrons like to be in a shadier spot the higher the hardiness zone. Especially beneficial would be late afternoon shade in the hotter climates to give the evergreen shrubs a chance to rest from the heat of the day. Protection from winter winds in the lower hardiness zones may be needed. Planting in a protected spot that gets plenty of sun will be best for the colder climates. Container grown Rhododendrons will need more watering, just like any other shrub that is container grown. Fertilizing Hot Dawn in the spring with a slow release food made for acid loving plants is recommended.
Hot Dawn Rhododendron Spacing
Hot Dawn is in the small category for Rhododendrons. The height reaches 4-5 feet and the width is also 4-5 feet. Spacing 4 feet center on center when planting in a group is recommended. Growing Hot Dawn in a container that is at least 24 inches in diameter will ensure this evergreen shrub will be comfortable for a long time.
Hot Dawn Rhododendron Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Partial Sun |
Mature Height: 5 - 8 Feet |
Mature Spread: 4 - 5 Feet |
Spacing: 4 - 5 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Red |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Mid May |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Rabbit |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Hot Dawn Rhododendron |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: RHODODENDRON `HOT DAWN` |

Click here for more information on plant container sizes.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

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
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping. Â
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.