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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Width: 6 to 8 feet
Flower color: Clusters of pink to purple flowers
Foliage color: leaves edged in creamy white or yellow
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Partial shade
Water: Regular
Maintenance: Low; remove spent blossoms after flowering
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Bees and butterflies

Shrubs

Rhododendron ponticum 'Variegatum'

Variegated Pontic Rhododendron

Rhododendron ponticum 'Variegatum' produces trusses of funnel-shaped lavender-purple to reddish-purple flowers in mid to late spring, creating rich color against the variegated foliage. Narrow, leathery dark green leaves are edged with slender creamy white to silvery margins, providing year-round brightness and fine texture. Dense, upright branching forms a full evergreen framework, while occasional all-green shoots may appear and can be removed to preserve the distinctive variegation.

Light

Partial shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Cottage Gardens
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Mahonias · Astilbe · Heucheras · Maidenhair fern · Corydalis · Lily-of-the-valley

Design tip

Brighten a darker garden area with ‘Variegatum,’ where its cream-edged foliage can lighten the planting long after the flowers have faded. Surrounding it with mostly solid-green leaves will emphasize the variegation without making the overall composition feel overly patterned or busy.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)