Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron camtschaticum
Kamchatka Rhododendron
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 1 to 2 ft
- Width
- 1 to 2 ft
- Flower color
- Reddish-purple to lavender or rose-purple (occasionally light pink)
- Foliage color
- Mid to bright green leaves, deciduous to semi-deciduous
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after bloom
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 1 to 6
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Rhododendron camtschaticum, commonly called Kamchatka rhododendron, is a low, ground-hugging shrub with hairy shoots and small, mid-green leaves. In late spring into early summer, it produces single flowers or pairs held just above the foliage. The blossoms are saucer-shaped and usually rosy-lavender to pink, sometimes deeper red, and occasionally white, with spotting on the upper lobes and an open form that shows off the stamens.
Native to cold regions from the Russian Far East and northern Japan to Alaska, it was described in the 1700s and has long been grown in alpine gardens. Its compact habit and extended bloom season fit rock gardens, troughs, and cool-climate woodland edges.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Rock Gardens · Containers · Borders
Companion plants
Camas · Wire-netting bush · Goldenrod · Blue fescue · Dianthus · Mexican orange blossom
Design tip
Place Kamchatka Rhododendron between rocks or along the front of a planting, where its low profile will remain clearly visible. Repeating several plants in small groups can carry its rosy-lavender flowers across the garden without overwhelming neighboring plants or compact spaces.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.
