Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron x 'Nova Zembla'
Nova Zembla Rhododendron
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- Up to 5 feet
- Width
- Up to 5 feet
- Flower color
- Bright red with a deep pink hue in sunnier exposures, with dark blotches
- Foliage color
- Dark green, glossy evergreen leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Partial sun to light shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; benefits from annual pruning after flowering to shape and promote blooms
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators like bees
About this plant
Rhododendron x 'Nova Zembla' is an evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant, deep red flowers that bloom in late spring. The large, trumpet-shaped blossoms are arranged in dense trusses, creating a bold display against the plant's glossy, dark green foliage. The blooms often feature darker red blotches at their centers, adding depth and texture to their appearance.
This hardy cultivar was developed in the Netherlands, bred for its cold tolerance and reliable performance in various climates. 'Nova Zembla' combines robust growth with showy floral displays, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a dependable rhododendron that thrives in cooler regions while adding vivid color to spring landscapes.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Borders · Cottage Gardens · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Sweet box · Bleeding heart · Pieris · Foam flower · Lungwort · Ajuga
Design tip
Frame ‘Nova Zembla’ with plenty of green foliage so its deep red flowers become a clear focal point rather than competing with other bold bloomers. After spring, its dense evergreen shape can help define the boundary between planting beds and open lawn.
