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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 3 to 4 ft
Width: 3 to 4 ft
Flower color: Shell-pink, bell-shaped flowers
Foliage color: Evergreen leaves; small, oval
Bloom time: Mid-spring (typically April to May)
Light: Part shade to dappled light
Water: Consistently moist
Maintenance: Low to moderate; remove spent flowers after bloom
Growing zone: USDA zones 6b to 9
Wildlife: Spring blooms attract early pollinators such as bees; evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter and cover for birds and small garden wildlife

Shrubs

Rhododendron 'Bow Bells'

Bow Bells Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Bow Bells' is a compact evergreen with small, rounded leaves that emerge coppery bronze before maturing to soft mid-green. In spring, deep pink buds open into loose clusters of bell- to funnel-shaped flowers, pale clear pink inside with a darker pink flush or blotch toward the throat. Blooming in mid- to late spring, the softly tinted bells create a delicate display against the evergreen foliage and are visited by bees and other pollinators.

Light

Part shade to dappled light

Water

Consistently moist

Bloom time

Mid-spring (typically April to May)

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Borders
Pathways & Walkways
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Holly · Pulmonaria · Oxalis · Japanese aralia · Celandine · Coral bells

Design tip

Plant ‘Bow Bells’ along the front of a layered shrub planting, where its rounded form can soften the transition to lower perennials. A spot beside a shaded path also brings its spring flowers close enough to enjoy their delicate coloring.