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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 6 to 10 ft
Width: 4 to 6 ft
Flower color: Bright red to scarlet tubular flowers with flared tips
Foliage color: Evergreen leaves, narrow and elongated, often slightly glossy
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Light: Part sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low to moderate; prune lightly after flowering only if shaping is needed or to remove dead wood
Growing zone: USDA zones 8 to 10
Wildlife: Fragrant shows of spring flowers attract pollinators; evergreen structure provides shelter and cover for birds and small wildlife

Shrubs

Rhododendron spinuliferum

Firecracker Rhododendron

Rhododendron spinuliferum is an evergreen shrub with narrow, glossy green leaves and graceful arching branches. In mid to late spring, it produces clusters of long, tubular flowers held at the ends of the shoots. The blooms are typically bright red to scarlet, with a flared mouth and protruding stamens. Flowering often extends over several weeks, adding lingering color during the spring season.

This species is native to southwestern China, where it grows in open woodland and forest margins.

Light

Part sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Cottage Gardens
Fragrant Gardens

Companion plants

Peonies · Alpine mint bush · Wallflower · Pampas grass · Stonecrop · Manzanita

Design tip

Set Rhododendron spinuliferum against a quieter mass of green foliage so its unusual scarlet tubular flowers become a strong spring focal point. Its arching branches soften the effect of nearby upright shrubs, bringing a looser, more graceful outline to the planting.