Rhododendron mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink'

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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 4 to 8 ft
Width: 2 to 3 ft
Flower color: Clear light pink blooms
Foliage color: Deciduous medium green leaves, turning yellow to red in fall
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; little pruning needed beyond removing spent flowers
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, including hummingbirds

Shrubs

Rhododendron mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink'

Cornell Pink Korean Rhododendron

Rhododendron mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink' is a deciduous shrub that blooms on bare stems in late winter to early spring. Clear, light pink, funnel-shaped flowers open in clusters before the leaves emerge, creating an airy veil of color during the quiet end of winter. After flowering, fresh green foliage fills in for the growing season and often develops warm fall tones before dropping.

This selection originated at Cornell University and is widely grown for dependable cold-weather performance and very early bloom.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Foundation Gardens
Cottage Gardens
Hummingbird Gardens

Companion plants

Asters · Cotoneaster · Bee balm · Smoke bush · Dianthus · California lilac

Design tip

Choose a location visible from an entry or window so ‘Cornell Pink’ can brighten the garden during its unusually early bloom season. Its narrow, upright form also slips easily between broader shrubs, adding height without occupying excessive space in the planting.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)