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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 6 to 10 ft
Width: 6 to 8 ft
Flower color: Purple-red to bright pink-red
Foliage color: Evergreen, lanceolate dark green leaves, usually matte to slightly glossy
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer, typically late May into June
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium; deadhead spent trusses after flowering and prune lightly only to remove dead wood
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 10
Wildlife: Flowers attract early-season pollinators; foliage provides shelter for small birds and garden wildlife

Shrubs

Rhododendron 'Dr. H.C. Dresselhuys'

Dr. H.C. Dresselhuys Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Dr. H.C. Dresselhuys' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with an upright, broad habit and dark green leaves. In late spring it carries dome-shaped trusses of funnel-shaped flowers in rich purple-red to dark pink tones. The clusters create a bold display above the foliage and are visited by bees and other pollinators during the main rhododendron season.

This cultivar, originally from the Netherlands, has been widely used in breeding programs for cold-climate rhododendrons and remains a dependable garden shrub.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Medium

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer, typically late May into June

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Cottage Gardens
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Aucuba · Hellebore · Brunnera · Japanese maple · Lungwort · Autumn fern

Design tip

Make ‘Dr. H.C. Dresselhuys’ a strong anchor in a larger shrub grouping, where its upright form can rise above lower plantings. Keep competing flower colors at some distance so its rich purple-red blooms remain the clear focus during their late-spring display.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)