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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 2 to 4 ft
Width: 3 to 5 ft
Flower color: Creamy white with tinges of pink and spotted throats
Foliage color: Evergreen foliage with small, rounded to elliptic leaves
Bloom time: Mid to late spring (April-May)
Light: Partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; remove spent flowers; prune lightly after bloom as needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 8
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; dense evergreen foliage provides shelter for small birds and garden wildlife

Shrubs

Rhododendron aberconwayi

Lord Aberconway's Rhododendron

Rhododendron aberconwayi is an evergreen shrub valued for its refined foliage and elegant spring display. In mid to late spring, it produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers that open white, often carrying faint pink tones in bud or cool weather. As the flowers mature, they appear clean white with delicate spotting or markings in the throat, adding subtle detail without overpowering the bloom. The flowers are lightly scented and contrast gently with the plant's smooth, dark green leaves.

Light

Partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring (April-May)

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Borders
Specimen Plants
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Aucuba · Camellia · Epimedium · Foamflower · Cyclamen · Hosta

Design tip

Bring Rhododendron aberconwayi toward the front of a woodland planting, where its graceful shape and softly colored flowers can be appreciated up close. The white blooms also help lighten areas beneath trees and shrubs that can otherwise appear dark in spring.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)