Rhododendron hybrid 'Scintillation'

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms.

Foliage is deer resistant, though young plants may need protection.

Provides shelter for small birds within its dense branching.

Spring: Profuse pink bloom display; new leaf growth emerges bright green.

Summer: Deep green foliage provides lush garden structure.

Fall: Evergreen foliage remains vibrant; occasional bronze tint in cooler temperatures.

Winter: Retains foliage, offering structure and color in the cold months.

– Woodland gardens, shaded borders, foundation plantings, and naturalized landscapes with acid soil

Evergreen leaves, elliptical and leathery in texture.

Deep, glossy green with a smooth surface and slightly paler underside.

Foliage remains attractive year-round, forming a lush, dense canopy.

Large trusses of soft pink flowers with a light yellow throat, each bloom about 2–3 inches across.

Flowers are slightly ruffled and appear in clusters of 10–15 blooms per truss.

Blossoms are lightly fragrant and appear in mid to late spring.

Contrasts beautifully with the glossy evergreen foliage.

Choose a site with partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the root system to prevent water pooling around roots.

Mix peat moss, pine bark, or leaf mold into the backfill soil to improve acidity and drainage.

Set the root ball slightly above ground level, as Rhododendrons prefer shallow planting.

Backfill gently and water thoroughly to settle the soil.

Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer (pine needles or shredded bark) to keep roots cool and moist, avoiding contact with the stem.

Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year’s buds.

Remove spent flower clusters (deadhead) to promote new growth and maintain plant vigor.

Lightly shape to maintain a rounded form; avoid heavy pruning into old wood.

Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.

Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Water deeply once or twice a week; keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.

Mulch helps conserve soil moisture and maintain cool root conditions.

Prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, such as morning sun with afternoon shade.

In cooler climates, can tolerate more sun if soil remains moist.

Avoid hot, dry, or windy exposures which can scorch foliage.

Produces small, brown seed capsules in late summer after flowering.

Fruits are not ornamental and not edible.

Seeds can be collected for propagation, though cuttings are preferred for true-to-type growth.

Deadheading spent flowers before seeds form helps conserve plant energy.

Feed once in early spring after flowering using an acidic, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-8-6 for azaleas and rhododendrons).

Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as they encourage foliage over flowers.

Apply compost or organic mulch yearly to enrich soil and maintain acidity.

Insect-pollinated; mainly by bees and butterflies.

Flowers are self-fertile but can cross-pollinate with other rhododendron varieties.

Produces small seed capsules after flowering, though this hybrid is primarily propagated by cuttings.

Evergreens: Pieris japonica, Ilex crenata, or Azalea varieties for similar soil and light needs.

Perennials: Hosta, Heuchera, Ferns, and Astilbe to complement its texture and color.

Shrubs: Kalmia latifolia, Hydrangea quercifolia, or Fothergilla for multi-season appeal.

Ideal in woodland gardens, shaded borders, or foundation plantings with other acid-loving plants.