Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron mucronulatum
Korean Rhododendron
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 4 to 8 ft
- Width
- 4 to 8 ft
- Flower color
- Pink to lilac/purple tones (sometimes white)
- Foliage color
- Deciduous medium green leaves, turning yellow to red in fall
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; prune lightly after flowering only if needed
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 7
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, including hummingbirds
About this plant
Rhododendron mucronulatum is a deciduous rhododendron valued for its late winter to early spring bloom, often flowering on bare branches before the leaves unfold. Clusters of open, funnel-shaped blossoms appear in pink to purple tones, and some plants may also produce paler flowers that read nearly white. Fresh green foliage follows soon after flowering, keeping the shrub airy and seasonal rather than evergreen.
Native to Korea and parts of China, Russia, and Japan, this species was described in the 1800's and is widely grown for its dependable early display. The early bloom season makes it a useful garden marker of spring's arrival, and the flowers are visited by emerging pollinators when few other shrubs are in flower.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Hummingbird Gardens · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Peonies · Alpine mint bush · Wallflower · Pampas grass · Stonecrop · Manzanita
Design tip
Feature Rhododendron mucronulatum where its bare branches are visible from the house, allowing the unusually early flowers to signal spring before surrounding plants awaken. Later, its airy deciduous habit blends easily into layered plantings without forming a heavy evergreen mass.
