Southgate Splendor Rhododendron

Light Needs

Full Shade to Part Shade

(0-4 Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 9

This is another Rhododendron that will knock your socks off with its gorgeous and large flowers! ‘Southgate Splendor’ has fabulous flowers that are dark pink on the undersides of the petals, light pink on the upward facing part of the flower and speckled with dark pink spots on them! The flowers are highlighted by the glossy evergreen leaves of the shrub.

‘Southgate Splendor’ rhododendron is insect and disease resistant plus it is winter hardy and heat tolerant. It makes for a wonderful early pollinator plant, allowing bees and butterflies to forage long before other plants are blooming. And the flower heads are huge, almost becoming a small bouquet!

Southgate Splendor Rhododendron Care

Caring for Southgate Splendor Rhododendron is easy. Plant in a location that receives afternoon shade if possible. Ensure the soil is well drained. Apply a layer of mulch around the base 1-2 inches thick to help retain moisture around the plant. Water regularly the first year to help the plant get established. And provide extra water whenever needed during dry periods or during a drought. The plant doesn't need to be pruned unless there are broken branches. Apply a slow release fertilizer like Espoma Holly Tone to help make the soil slightly acidic in the early spring before the plant begins to bloom.

Southgate Splendor Rhododendron Spacing

An added advantage is ‘Southgate Splendor’ is considered a dwarf rhododendron so you can use it almost anywhere. It can be used as a focal point in the landscape, a hedge or a privacy screen since it grows only 4 -5 ft. tall and 4-5 ft. wide.

Side by Side

Compare Southgate® Rhododendrons

See bud and flower color, size, and the best use for each heat-tolerant Southgate® rhododendron.

Variety	Buds & Flowers	Size	Best For	Why Choose It
Southgate® Radiance Rhododendron	Deep lavender buds; ruffled pink to light purple flowers with a reddish-purple blotch	4′ H × 5′ W in 10 years	Cool-toned beds with white or pink spring bloomers	The only lavender-purple in the series
Southgate® Brandi Rhododendron	Deep pink buds; pink ruffled flowers	3′ H × 4′ W	Containers, small beds, and under low windows	Most compact; glossy leaves that curl back slightly
Southgate® Breeze Rhododendron	Medium pink buds; white flowers with a maroon blotch	4′ H × 5′ W in 10 years	Foundation plantings and mixed shrub borders	Pink buds and white flowers on the plant at the same time
Southgate® Divine Rhododendron	Light pink buds; white flowers with purple specks	4′ H × 5′ W in 10 years	Brightening shady woodland edges	Softest pink buds; a different Taiwanese parent than its siblings
Southgate® Grace Rhododendron	Deep pink buds; crisp white flowers with purple spots	4′ H × 6′ W in 10 years	Evergreen hedges and mass plantings	Widest, densest plant in the series
Southgate® Splendor Rhododendron	Lavender-pink flowers with dark pink undersides and speckles	4–5′ H × 4–5′ W	A specimen shrub near an entry or patio	Large trusses that look like small bouquets

Planning a shady bed? See all six Southgate® Rhododendrons →

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