Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron 'The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague'
The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague Rhododendron
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 6 to 8 feet
- Width
- 6 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- Deep crimson to blood red flowers with a darker maroon blotch in the throat
- Foliage color
- Dark green leathery elliptic leaves with a smooth surface
- Bloom time
- Mid spring; often April to May
- Light
- Partial shade
- Water
- Average evenly moist well drained acidic soil; prefers consistent moisture
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flower trusses after blooming and prune lightly if needed to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees butterflies and other pollinating insects
About this plant
Rhododendron 'The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague' produces large trusses of rich red flowers in mid to late spring, each bloom opening with broad petals that form a full, rounded display. The blossoms are held above the foliage and create a vivid seasonal show. Leathery evergreen leaves cover the stems, displaying deep green surfaces that provide a dense backdrop throughout the year.
This cultivar traces its heritage to hybrid rhododendrons developed in Europe through ornamental breeding. In gardens it provides evergreen structure for borders and woodland plantings where the bold spring flowers add color and presence among other shade-loving shrubs.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cottage Gardens · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Holly · Pulmonaria · Oxalis · Japanese aralia · Celandine · Coral bells
Design tip
Allow ‘The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague’ to anchor a layered shrub planting, with smaller plants stepping down in front. Its intense red flowers have enough presence to stand alone, so keeping nearby spring bloomers understated will prevent unnecessary competition.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at PowellsWood Garden.
