Rhododendron hybrid 'Taurus'

Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Deer resistant foliage, though young plants may need protection.

Provides cover for small birds due to its dense branching habit.

Spring: Spectacular red blooms and fresh green growth.

Summer: Deep evergreen foliage remains full and healthy.

Fall: Retains green leaves, minimal color change.

Winter: Evergreen foliage provides structure; buds for next season are visible.

– Woodland gardens, shaded borders, foundation plantings, and as a showy spring specimen shrub

Evergreen, leathery, elliptic leaves about 4–6 inches long.

Deep green above with a slightly paler underside.

Maintains a lush, glossy canopy year-round, contributing to garden structure even in winter.

Produces large, rounded trusses of 10–15 trumpet-shaped flowers in vivid crimson-red with darker throats and slight glossiness.

Each bloom measures about 3 inches across and appears in mid to late spring.

Blooms are slightly ruffled and highly showy, standing out dramatically against dark green foliage.

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

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper than the root mass to avoid crown rot.

Mix peat moss, pine bark, or compost into the backfill to improve soil structure and acidity.

Place the plant slightly above ground level so the top of the root ball is visible.

Backfill gently, water deeply, and apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer (pine needles or shredded bark) to conserve moisture and maintain cool roots.

Avoid heavy clay or alkaline soils; ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.

Prune immediately after flowering to preserve next season’s buds.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage strong vegetative growth.

Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed.

Avoid cutting into old wood—Rhododendrons do not regenerate well from hard pruning.

Requires consistent, deep watering, especially during dry periods.

Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—Rhododendrons are shallow-rooted and sensitive to water stress.

Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce temperature fluctuations.

Prefers partial shade with morning sun and afternoon shade.

In cooler northern climates, can tolerate more sun if kept well-watered.

Avoid harsh western exposure or deep shade, which may reduce flowering.

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

Fruits are non-edible and ornamental only.

Deadheading before seeds form helps the plant conserve energy for next year’s blooms.

Propagation is best achieved through semi-hardwood cuttings or air layering.

Fertilize once yearly in early spring after blooming, using an acidic, slow-release fertilizer (formulated for Rhododendrons or Azaleas).

Avoid excessive nitrogen—it promotes foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Maintain a 2–3 inch organic mulch layer to improve soil acidity naturally.

Insect-pollinated; attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Flowers are self-fertile but may also cross-pollinate with other rhododendrons.

Produces small seed capsules after flowering, though propagation is typically done via cuttings.

Shrubs: Pieris japonica, Azalea varieties, Kalmia latifolia, and Hydrangea quercifolia for complementary blooms.

Perennials: Ferns, Heuchera, Hosta, and Astilbe to provide texture contrast.

Evergreens: Ilex crenata or dwarf conifers for year-round structure.

Works beautifully in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and foundation plantings with other acid-loving plants.