Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron 'Sherwood Orchid'
Sherwood Orchid Azalea
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 ft
- Width
- 3 to 4 ft
- Flower color
- Vivid reddish-purple to magenta blossoms, often with a darker blotch in the throat
- Foliage color
- Evergreen, glossy small green leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring (May)
- Light
- Part shade to filtered sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; deadhead spent flowers and prune lightly only to remove dead wood
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5a to 9b
- Wildlife
- Spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators; evergreen structure offers shelter and cover for small birds and other garden wildlife
About this plant
Rhododendron 'Sherwood Orchid' is an evergreen azalea with a dense, rounded growth habit and glossy, small dark-green leaves that provide year-round interest. In mid to late spring, it blooms with single flowers in rich reddish-purple or magenta tones, each marked by a darker blotch near the center. The blossoms often appear in clusters and brighten woodland borders, foundation plantings, or shaded garden beds when many shrubs are still dormant.
As a Kurume-group hybrid, 'Sherwood Orchid' traces its roots to Japanese azalea breeding traditions. Its compact size, abundant early-summer bloom, and evergreen foliage make it a versatile choice for mixed shrub borders, woodland gardens, and foundation plantings where a reliable burst of spring color is desired.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Borders · Containers · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Daphne · Brunnera · Tiarella · Camellia · Bleeding heart · Hellebore
Design tip
Repeat ‘Sherwood Orchid’ through the front of a shaded shrub planting to carry its rounded form across the garden. Its intense magenta flowers work best among quieter neighbors, where the spring display can command attention without competing with other saturated colors.
