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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: Up to 5 feet
Width: Up to 5 feet
Flower color: Bright red with a deep pink hue in sunnier exposures, with dark blotches
Foliage color: Dark green, glossy evergreen leaves
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Light: Partial sun to light shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; benefits from annual pruning after flowering to shape and promote blooms
Growing zone: USDA Zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts pollinators like bees

Shrubs

Rhododendron x 'Nova Zembla'

Nova Zembla Rhododendron

Rhododendron x 'Nova Zembla' is an evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant, deep red flowers that bloom in late spring. The large, trumpet-shaped blossoms are arranged in dense trusses, creating a bold display against the plant's glossy, dark green foliage. The blooms often feature darker red blotches at their centers, adding depth and texture to their appearance.

This hardy cultivar was developed in the Netherlands, bred for its cold tolerance and reliable performance in various climates.

Light

Partial sun to light shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Borders
Cottage Gardens
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Sweet box · Bleeding heart · Pieris · Foam flower · Lungwort · Ajuga

Design tip

Frame ‘Nova Zembla’ with plenty of green foliage so its deep red flowers become a clear focal point rather than competing with other bold bloomers. After spring, its dense evergreen shape can help define the boundary between planting beds and open lawn.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)