Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron 'Loderi King George'
Loderi King George Rhododendron
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 feet
- Width
- 10 to 15 feet
- Flower color
- Soft blush pink buds opening to white to very pale pink flowers with a faint yellow throat and strong fragrance
- Foliage color
- Large dark green leathery leaves with a smooth surface
- Bloom time
- Late spring; often May to June
- Light
- Partial shade
- Water
- Average evenly moist soil
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flower trusses after blooming and prune lightly to maintain size and shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects
About this plant
Rhododendron 'Loderi King George' produces large, fragrant white flowers in mid to late spring, each bloom opening with broad petals lightly flushed with soft pink. The blossoms are carried in full trusses and release a sweet scent as they open. Leathery evergreen leaves cover the stems, displaying deep green surfaces that form a dense, polished canopy throughout the year.
This cultivar traces its heritage to Loderi hybrids developed in England through crosses involving Rhododendron griffithianum. In gardens it provides evergreen structure for borders and woodland plantings where the fragrant spring flowers add elegance and seasonal interest.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Fragrant Gardens · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Yew · Astilbe · Ajuga · Sweet box · Anemone · Oregon grape
Design tip
Allow ‘Loderi King George’ to become a commanding garden feature, with enough surrounding space for its substantial form to feel intentional rather than crowded. A location near a patio, terrace, or frequently opened window makes its exceptional spring fragrance especially enjoyable.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at PowellsWood Garden.
