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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 2 to 4 ft
Width: 3 to 4 ft
Flower color: Pink buds open to creamy white blossoms with yellow flares and red speckles/nectaries in the throat
Foliage color: Semi-glossy olive green, evergreen leaves
Bloom time: Mid May to early June
Light: Part shade to dappled shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; deadhead spent flowers; may need occasional pruning
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; foliage provides shelter for small birds and garden wildlife

Shrubs

Rhododendron 'Ice Music'

Ice Music Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Ice Music' is an evergreen shrub with a compact, rounded habit and dark green foliage. In mid to late spring, it bears round trusses of funnel-shaped flowers. Buds open soft creamy pink, petals lightening toward near white as they expand, with two pale yellow flares in the throat and deep red nectaries at the base.

This hybrid was created in Bellevue, Washington, and registered in 1999.

Light

Part shade to dappled shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid May to early June

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Borders
Pathways & Walkways
Native Gardens

Companion plants

Daphne · Brunnera · Tiarella · Camellia · Bleeding heart · Hellebore

Design tip

Bring ‘Ice Music’ toward the front of a shaded planting where its softly changing flower colors can be appreciated at close range. A darker evergreen setting will emphasize the creamy blossoms while allowing the compact shrub to remain distinct after flowering ends.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)