Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron minus x hanceanum
Piedmont Azalea Hybrid
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 2 to 6 ft
- Width
- 3 to 8 ft
- Flower color
- Lavender to purple with darker throat
- Foliage color
- Evergreen dark green small scaly leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; prune lightly after flowering if needed
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; evergreen foliage provides shelter for birds
About this plant
Rhododendron minus x hanceanum is a broadleaf evergreen rhododendron that develops an upright, well-branched shrub with small, glossy leaves. In late spring, it bears clusters of funnel-shaped flowers in lilac to rich purple tones, often with darker shading in the throat. New foliage growth may emerge with a bronzy cast before settling into deep green for the season.
This hybrid can reach several feet in height and forms a sturdy, evergreen presence rather than a low mound. Its refined foliage, upright habit, and spring bloom make it well suited to woodland borders, mixed shrub plantings, and garden settings where subtle texture and early color are appreciated.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cottage Gardens · Specimen Plants
Companion plants
Tulips · Bluebeard · Feverfew · Larkspur · Sea thrifts · Beautyberry
Design tip
Work this rhododendron into the middle of a layered shrub planting, where its upright habit can rise above lower companions without dominating them. Its relatively fine foliage offers useful contrast beside broader-leaved evergreens, keeping the planting varied even outside the flowering season.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
