Rangoon Rhododendron

Light Needs

Partial Shade

(3 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Rhododendrons are queens of the late spring garden. Blooming heavily with swathes of bright intense color and bridging the gap between spring and summer. Rangoon Rhododendron has a deep red color flower on a shorter and much more compact frame. Rangoon is perfect for a smaller garden or to use at the front of a woodland garden. The large, evergreen leaves provide year round interest that compliments every color of the rainbow.

Rhododendron is a great low-maintenance shrub to include in the garden. Pruning and deadheading is rarely needed for Rangoon. The flowers are self-cleaning while the natural shape is mounding and slightly spreading. Rhododendrons thrive in woodland settings where they work as an understory plant to provide shelter for wildlife such as birds and small mammals. The full bloom flowers absolutely hum from the swarms of native pollinators that they attract. Rangoon will fit into a broad range of garden plans. Asian inspired, cottage garden, woodland garden or a minimalist urban design.

Rangoon Rhododendron Care

Rangoon Rhododendron will be happiest in a dappled shade site that has acidic soil. Full sun is usually tolerated early in the morning. Soil texture needs to be average to sandy, moist but well draining. Consistent watering is important for the first 2-3 years until the shrub is fully established. During extended hot and dry periods, supplemental watering will be required. 

Mulching Rhododendrons each fall will help to improve the structure and moisture holding abilities of the soil. Using an organic compost will also add nutrients to the soil. Fertilizing in the early spring with a well balanced, slow release food formulated for acid loving shrubs will support flower formation and leaf color. Any pruning should be done after blooming ends, in the early summer. A light cutting back of branches will help Rangoon to keep its mounded shape.

Rangoon Rhododendron Spacing

Rangoon has a naturally mounded shape that is 3-4 feet high and 4-5 feet wide at maturity. Planting shrubs at 4 feet on center will provide plenty of space for proper air circulation.