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 7 to 9 feet plant with a spread of 7 to 9 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 Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 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
- 7-9 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 7-9 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Red
- Flower Description
- Red
- Bloom Time
- 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
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Nova Zembla Rhododendron
- Botanical Name
- RHODODENDRON CAT. 'NOVA ZEMBLA'
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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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!