Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron augustinii var. chasmanthum 'Tower Court'
Tower Court Augustine's Rhododendron
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 ft
- Width
- 5 to 8 ft
- Flower color
- Lavender to blue-lavender with red 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 var. chasmanthum 'Tower Court' is an evergreen shrub with narrow, dark green leaves forming a strong upright habit. In spring it produces clusters of lavender to soft blue-lavender flowers. The blossoms often display red spotting or flecks in the upper lobes of the corolla, giving a bright contrast. Bloom clusters sit above the foliage and attract bees and other pollinators during the main flowering season.
This selection derives from plants originally cultivated in British gardens, with the name 'Tower Court' linked to Tower Court Gardens in Great Britain. It comes from the augustinii subspecies chasmanthum, a group known from wild forms in western China. Its spring bloom and evergreen leaves make it a garden asset for woodland borders, mixed shrub plantings, or as a specimen where its soft floral colors can be appreciated.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cottage Gardens · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Sarcococca · Rodgersia · Cyclamen · Fatsia · Lungwort · Primrose
Design tip
‘Tower Court’ can add height without making a shaded planting feel bulky, thanks to its upright shape and relatively narrow foliage. Give it a little space among broader-leaved evergreens so its graceful outline remains visible and the lavender-blue spring flowers have room to stand out.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Heronswood Garden.
