Rhododendron hybrid 'Holden'

– Flowers attract bees, bumblebees, and occasional hummingbirds

– Not typically browsed by beneficial wildlife due to toxicity

– Evergreen foliage year-round

– Blooms in late spring to early summer (typically May or early June)

Foundation planting, woodland gardens, shaded borders, acid-loving shrub groupings, understory accent

– Broadleaf evergreen with medium to dark green, leathery, elliptical foliage

– Glossy texture adds year-round interest

– Clusters (trusses) of vibrant rose-pink blooms with deeper reddish throat speckling

– Funnel-shaped flowers; about 2" wide

– Blooms are showy, dense, and profuse

– Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment

– Choose a site with dappled sunlight or morning sun/afternoon shade

– Soil should be well-drained, humus-rich, and acidic (pH 4.5–6.0)

– Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball

– Backfill with a mix of native soil and organic compost or peat moss

– Mulch with pine bark or needles to conserve moisture and protect roots

– Minimal pruning needed

– Deadhead after flowering to encourage more blooms

– Lightly shape or remove dead/diseased wood in late spring or after bloom

– Requires even moisture, especially in the first 2–3 years

– Mulch to reduce evaporation

– Avoid waterlogging and drought stress

– Ideal: 1" of water per week during the growing season

– Partial shade is ideal — morning sun and afternoon shade encourage flowering without leaf scorch

– Avoid deep shade, which reduces blooming, and intense full sun, which can cause stress

– Not typically harvested — grown for ornamental blooms

– Deadheading spent flowers can prolong bloom display

– Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer (e.g., for Rhododendrons or Azaleas)

– Apply after blooming, not during flowering

– Avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn roots

– Self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination by insects (especially bees)

– Not grown for fruit; ornamental value is in its bloom

– Azaleas, Pieris japonica, Leucothoe, and Enkianthus (also acid-loving shrubs)

– Shade-tolerant perennials like Hosta, Ferns, Pulmonaria, and Heuchera

– Groundcovers like Gaultheria procumbens or Vinca minor enhance woodland settings