Fire-engine red spring trusses and glossy evergreen muscle, a bold shade-garden anchor that refuses to be ignored
FEATURES:
- Brilliant red flower trusses that bring high-impact spring color to part shade
- Thick evergreen foliage for year-round screening and structure
- Naturally dense, upright habit that looks substantial and established in the landscape
- Cold-hardy rhododendron known for strong performance in cooler climates
- Excellent for privacy planting along property lines and quiet garden corners
- A dramatic contrast shrub against white blooms, silver foliage, and deep green evergreens
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
If you want the red to look richer, don’t surround it with more red. Instead, give it contrast: deep greens, creamy whites, and silvery foliage. Think of it like lipstick, it looks best when the rest of the outfit is simple and intentional.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Mature Height: 5-8' tall
- Mature Width: 5-8' wide
- Exposure: Part Shade/Shade
- Spacing: 5-8' apart
Nova Zembla Rhododendron
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Rhododendron catawbiense 'Nova Zembla'
Regular price
Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
Fire-engine red spring trusses and glossy evergreen muscle, a bold shade-garden anchor that refuses to be ignored
FEATURES:
- Brilliant red flower trusses that bring high-impact spring color to part shade
- Thick evergreen foliage for year-round screening and structure
- Naturally dense, upright habit that looks substantial and established in the landscape
- Cold-hardy rhododendron known for strong performance in cooler climates
- Excellent for privacy planting along property lines and quiet garden corners
- A dramatic contrast shrub against white blooms, silver foliage, and deep green evergreens
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
If you want the red to look richer, don’t surround it with more red. Instead, give it contrast: deep greens, creamy whites, and silvery foliage. Think of it like lipstick, it looks best when the rest of the outfit is simple and intentional.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Mature Height: 5-8' tall
- Mature Width: 5-8' wide
- Exposure: Part Shade/Shade
- Spacing: 5-8' apart
Why plant Nova Zembla Rhododendron?
If brilliant color is what you crave, then Nova Zembla Rhododendron is the Accent for you. This zesty evergreen bursts into glorious, blazing color in late spring or very early summer. Its blossoms are often described as red, though a deep, dazzling, hot pink is more accurate. Illuminate the shady borders near your porch or patio with its intense blooms. When not in flower, Nova Zembla is still a worthy addition to your landscape, adding valuable structure and bold texture all year-round. You can also use it as a pretty privacy screen or a divider between two outdoor “rooms.” Nova Zembla is a type of Catawba Rhododendron. In late April through June, the Catawba Rhododendron lights up shady hillsides and forest understory in the Alleghany Mountains, bringing its rosy purple cheer to a region extending from southern Virginia to northern Alabama. This near-red selection therefore has its origins in the U.S., though it also has an allegiance to the Netherlands, where it was first grown. Koster & Sons Nurseries of Boskoop developed the plant near the turn of the last century and introduced it in 1902. It was named after the Russian island of Nova Zembla, a.k.a. Novaya Zemlya.
How to use Nova Zembla Rhododendron in the landscape?
Some Rhododendrons can be a bit tricky to grow, but Nova Zembla is one of the most resilient. With proper care, it thrives in the colder states—down to -25ºF—and tolerates the heat and humidity of the South as well. This one is a winner!
How To Plant Nova Zembla Rhododendron
Catawba Rhododendron is tougher than many Rhododendrons, but it does appreciate good siting and aftercare. Plant Nova Zembla in part shade, in cool, acidic, well-drained soil for best results. Keep the rootzone moist but never soggy. An annual layer of organic mulch will help to retain moisture. Avoid harsh chemical fertilizers—Catawba Rhododendron is sensitive to overfeeding;a gentle organic product like Bower & Branch Elements™ Fertilizer is all that is needed if plants seem weak or “hungry.” Black vine weevil and Azalea lace bug can sometimes be an issue, but specimens grown in optimal conditions in most cases will remain healthy and resistant to attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
The blooms are a vivid, true red, forming large, rounded flower trusses in spring. The color is bold and saturated, especially beautiful in part shade.
It prefers acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Rhododendrons have shallow roots, so mulch helps keep roots cool and evenly moist, just keep mulch a few inches away from the stems. Avoid soggy soil, but don’t let it dry out during hot spells.
Deadheading spent flower trusses after bloom is optional but helps keep the plant neat and can support strong growth for next year. If shaping is needed, prune lightly right after flowering. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season, since buds for future blooms develop on new growth.
