Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron 'Liz Ann'
Liz Ann Rhododendron
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 ft
- Width
- 3 to 4 ft
- Flower color
- Very pale pink in bud, quickly fading to white or near white when open
- Foliage color
- Deep green, small, rounded leaves that may take on bronze tones in winter
- Bloom time
- Mid spring (generally May)
- Light
- Part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; deadhead spent flowers
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Rhododendron 'Liz Ann' is a dwarf evergreen shrub forming a compact, rounded mound of small, deep green leaves. In mid-spring, usually around May, it produces clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that open very pale pink before quickly fading to white or nearly white. In many plants, the pink is so subtle that it is only visible in cool temperatures or in the tight bud stage, leaving the open trusses to appear soft white across the plant.
A yakushimanum hybrid selected for its neat habit and reliable spring bloom, 'Liz Ann' is well suited to rock gardens, container plantings, and the front of mixed borders. Its compact structure and delicate, light-toned flowers offer a gentle presence that works beautifully in small or refined garden spaces.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Borders · Cottage Gardens · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Holly · Pulmonaria · Oxalis · Japanese aralia · Celandine · Coral bells
Design tip
Keep ‘Liz Ann’ near the front of a planting where its compact form will not disappear behind larger shrubs. Its pale flowers work especially well beside darker foliage, bringing definition to a shaded area while preserving the calm character of smaller gardens.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden.
