1 / 3Key characteristics
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 ft
- Width
- 5 to 8 ft
- Flower color
- Lavender to blue-lavender with red spotting
- Foliage color
- Evergreen, medium to dark green leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; prune lightly after bloom to remove dead wood
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; dense evergreen structure provides shelter and cover for birds and small wildlife
Shrubs
Rhododendron augustinii var. chasmanthum 'Tower Court'
Tower Court Augustine's Rhododendron
Rhododendron augustinii var. chasmanthum 'Tower Court' is an evergreen shrub with narrow, dark green leaves forming a strong upright habit. In spring it produces clusters of lavender to soft blue-lavender flowers. The blossoms often display red spotting or flecks in the upper lobes of the corolla, giving a bright contrast. Bloom clusters sit above the foliage and attract bees and other pollinators during the main flowering season.
Works well in
- Shade Gardens
- Foundation Plantings
- Cottage Gardens
- Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Sarcococca · Rodgersia · Cyclamen · Fatsia · Lungwort · Primrose
Design tip
‘Tower Court’ can add height without making a shaded planting feel bulky, thanks to its upright shape and relatively narrow foliage. Give it a little space among broader-leaved evergreens so its graceful outline remains visible and the lavender-blue spring flowers have room to stand out.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Heronswood Garden.
More shrubs
Rhododendron rigidum
Rigid Rhododendron
Blooms white, rose pink, or lilac, sometimes with red flecks on the upper petals
Part shade

Rhododendron 'Blaney's Blue'
Blaney's Blue Rhododendron
Blooms lavender-blue to misty blue
Partial shade to filtered sun

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead'
Munstead English Lavender
Blooms lavender-blue spikes
Full sun

Syringa vulgaris 'Little Boy Blue'
Little Boy Blue Lilac
Blooms clear blue to blue-lavender, single, fragrant flower clusters
Full sun