Rhododendron 'The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague'

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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 6 to 8 feet
Width: 6 to 8 feet
Flower color: Deep crimson to blood red flowers with a darker maroon blotch in the throat
Foliage color: Dark green leathery elliptic leaves with a smooth surface
Bloom time: Mid spring; often April to May
Light: Partial shade
Water: Average evenly moist well drained acidic soil; prefers consistent moisture
Maintenance: Low; remove spent flower trusses after blooming and prune lightly if needed to maintain shape
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Bees butterflies and other pollinating insects

Shrubs

Rhododendron 'The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague'

The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague' produces large trusses of rich red flowers in mid to late spring, each bloom opening with broad petals that form a full, rounded display. The blossoms are held above the foliage and create a vivid seasonal show. Leathery evergreen leaves cover the stems, displaying deep green surfaces that provide a dense backdrop throughout the year.

This cultivar traces its heritage to hybrid rhododendrons developed in Europe through ornamental breeding.

Light

Partial shade

Water

Average evenly moist well drained acidic soil; prefers consistent moisture

Bloom time

Mid spring; often April to May

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Cottage Gardens
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Holly · Pulmonaria · Oxalis · Japanese aralia · Celandine · Coral bells

Design tip

Allow ‘The Honourable Jean Marie de Montague’ to anchor a layered shrub planting, with smaller plants stepping down in front. Its intense red flowers have enough presence to stand alone, so keeping nearby spring bloomers understated will prevent unnecessary competition.