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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 4 to 8 ft
Width: 4 to 8 ft
Flower color: Creamy white; opening from light pink buds
Foliage color: Evergreen medium to dark green leaves
Bloom time: Mid spring
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly only if shaping is needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; dense evergreen habit provides shelter for small birds

Shrubs

Rhododendron x ‘Unique’

Unique Rhododendron

Rhododendron x 'Unique' is an evergreen rhododendron that blooms in mid spring, often April into May. Rounded trusses of funnel-shaped flowers open creamy ivory-white from pink buds, with a warm yellow flush and occasional fine crimson speckling in the throat. Glossy, deep green leaves provide a clean backdrop and keep the plant attractive beyond the flowering season.

'Unique' originated in England in the early 1930's.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Cottage Gardens
Pathways & Walkways

Companion plants

Phlox · Pittosporum · Hardy mums · Feather reed grass · Cranesbill · Butterfly bush

Design tip

Soften the corner of a house or other strong architectural line with ‘Unique,’ allowing its rounded growth to ease the transition into surrounding plantings. Keeping lower plants in front preserves that graceful outline while integrating the shrub into the broader garden.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)