
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
With its clusters of stunning cardinal red flowers contrasted against the glossy, thick leaves Nova Zembla is sure to draw attention in the landscape. The trumpet-shaped blooms with a maroon blotched throat start flowering in April or May on a 6 to 8 foot plant with a spread of 5 to 7 feet.
A low maintenance, heat tolerant evergreen the sheer size of this rhododendron make it an excellent choice for use as a living privacy wall, foundation planting, hedge or specimen planting. May do well in a container or pot large enough to support it as it is winter hardy in zones 4 to 8. Drought tolerant but would appreciate some protection in winter from the wind.
Nova Zembla Rhododendron Care
Happiest growing in partial or dappled sunlight this rhododendron would do well in moist but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. An application of peat moss and either cow manure or compost would benefit it at time of planting.
Deadheading past blossoms will help stimulate the plant to produce new growth. Pruning is best immediately after flowering as not to affect next year's buds and may be done to help shape the plant.
Nova Zembla Rhododendron Spacing
Due to their large size Nova Zembla does best with a spacing of 6 to 8 feet to allow for optimum growth. It would make an excellent informal hedge or fondation plant and with winter protection would do well in a pot or planter large enough to accommodate its size. A pot or container size of at least 3 feet high to 3 feet wide would be best.
Nova Zembla Rhododendron Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Partial Sun |
Mature Height: 7 - 9 Feet |
Mature Spread: 7 - 9 Feet |
Spacing: 7 - 9 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: Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Hedges & Privacy, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Nova Zembla Rhododendron |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: RHODODENDRON CAT. `NOVA ZEMBLA` |
- SKU:
- 1231000099-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.

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

#5 Pot
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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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.