1 / 4Key characteristics
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 2 to 5 ft
- Width
- 2 to 5 ft
- Flower color
- White to soft pink, often flushed deeper pink in bud; may have red to purple spotting or blotches
- Foliage color
- Evergreen dark green leaves; new growth often bronzy
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering if needed
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 8
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; evergreen foliage provides shelter for birds
Shrubs
Rhododendron moupinense
Moupinense Rhododendron
Rhododendron moupinense is an evergreen species that flowers very early, often in late winter into early spring. Small clusters of white to pale pink blooms open on the branch tips, sometimes lightly speckled, bringing color to the garden when few shrubs are in bloom.
Native to western China, it is known in the wild for growing as an epiphyte on trees and sometimes on rocks and cliffs.
Works well in
- Sun Gardens
- Borders
- Containers
- Rock Gardens
Companion plants
Irises · Italian buckthorn · Sneezeweed · Fountain grass · Rock cress · Flowering quince
Design tip
Choose a spot visible from the house or a frequently traveled path so Rhododendron moupinense can enliven the garden during its unusually early bloom season. Rocks nearby can echo its natural habitat while providing contrast for its refined, narrow evergreen foliage.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
More shrubs
Ribes sanguineum
Red Flowering Currant
Blooms deep pink to red drooping clusters of tubular flowers, sometimes white or pale pink forms
Full sun to partial shade
Rhododendron yunnanense
Yunnan Rhododendron
Blooms white to blush pink with red spotting in the throat
Part shade
Hydrangea serrata ‘Kiyosumi’
Kiyosumi Lacecap Hydrangea
Blooms pink to red outer sterile florets with small white or pale pink inner fertile flowers
Partial shade to full sun
Rhododendron degronianum
Degronianum Rhododendron
Blooms pale pink-to-white flowers, sometimes with subtle red spotting
Full sun to part shade