Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron augustinii ssp. hardyii
White Augustine's Rhododendron
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Clear white with a soft yellow to pale green throat and spotting
- Foliage color
- Evergreen, medium to dark green leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; prune lightly after bloom to remove dead wood
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; dense evergreen structure provides shelter and cover for birds and small wildlife
About this plant
Rhododendron augustinii ssp. hardyii is an evergreen shrub with a loose, upright habit and narrow, glossy green leaves that give it a refined appearance. In mid to late spring, it produces trusses of open, funnel-shaped flowers that are clear white, marked by a soft yellow to pale green throat with delicate spotting, adding subtle detail without altering the clean white presentation seen from a distance.
This subspecies is native to western China and was collected and introduced into cultivation in the early twentieth century. Plants grown from original collections have shown consistent floral traits over decades. Its spring bloom, airy branching, and elegant foliage make it well suited to woodland gardens, species collections, and lightly shaded borders where subtle flower coloration and form can be appreciated.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cottage Gardens · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Leucothoe · Solomon’s seal · Bergenia · Japanese plum yew · Hosta · Snowdrops
Design tip
White Augustine’s rhododendron can help brighten the taller, back layers of a woodland garden, where its loose branching keeps a large shrub from looking too heavy. The white spring flowers also show up beautifully against the deeper greens of surrounding trees and evergreens.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.
