Vernus Rhododendron

Early blooming Rhododendron withstands it all! The Vernus Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Vernus') is one of the earliest large-leaved Rhododendrons to flower, and its buds are extremely well as a young plant! The blooms on Vernus Rhododendrons are beautiful, star-shaped shell pink flowers, each with a dark red blotch. The flowers measure 2 inches across and the blooms contrast nicely with the dark green foliage.

Rhododendrons are ornamental, acidic-soil-loving broad-leaved evergreen. Once the gorgeous shell-pink blooms fade, the glossy green foliage really shines! While it’s present year-round, the evergreen leaves are especially showy through the winter months when so few things are green. The beautiful flowers are fantastic landing pads for pollinators and Hummingbirds too!

Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 8 and can grow to 4-6 feet in height, while spreading 6-8 feet in width. Gorgeous, bright green leaves stay evergreen for you. It gives your landscape color through the growing season, and a pretty, fine-textured structure all year-long.

Planting and Application:

Vernus is ideal for shrub borders and informal hedges. It brightens the look of older evergreen trees and shrubs in mixed shrub borders or as the hedge themselves. Create a solid, low hedge by planting 2 feet on center. You'll measure from the center of one to the center of the next plant.

This specimen's compact form makes it perfect for border planting or for use as a foundation plant. A single spring specimen lights up the landscape or brightens a tired mixed-shrub border. Vernus does well in large planters and looks great in Cottage gardens, Perennial Borders, and as backdrops to Rose gardens while adding height to garden beds in the dappled sun and part shade!

• Shell-Pink 2" Blooms
• Early Flowering Rhododendron
• Dark Green Broad-Leaved Evergreen Foliage
• Bee & Butterfly & Hummingbird-Friendly
• Early Spring Color, Specimen, Accents & Evergreen Color

#ProPlantTips For Care

Vernus is sun-tolerant, vigorous, and cold-hardy. It prefers partial shade and should have protection from strong winter sun and wind. It requires regular watering, particularly in hot, dry weather; established plants can benefit from fertilization. When planting Rhododendrons and Azaleas in the ground, it's better to plant too high, than too low. Mound up when planting by leaving a few inches of the root ball showing above the ground. Pull pine bark or pine straw mulch up to cover the root system.

Plan to reapply a mulch layer each year. Right after the spring bloom is past, give your plants a light trim to encourage new flowers and correct shape, as needed. Avoid any major summer or fall pruning, or you will remove next year's spring flowers. Weed your plantings regularly, as the shallow roots won't like the competition. Apply a good, organic, slow-release Acid-Lovers fertilizer in early spring according to the product directions.

• Full Sun & Partial Shade & Cold Tolerant
• Acidic Well-Drained Soil
• Moderate Moisture & Mulched Beds
• Appreciates Mulch
• Prune Immediately After Spring Flowers Fade

If you have always wanted a Rhododendron that flowers before other Rhododendrons, then this is the one you want! Order the lovely Vernus Rhododendron today from NatureHills.com!

Azalea and Rhododendron Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to plant an Azaleas?

Azaleas and Rhododendrons prefer partial shade (both dappled shade all day or morning sun with afternoon shade). Plant in a slightly acidic, consistently moist, enriched, and well-drained soil location for best results. Their shallow roots dislike soggy soil but thrive with a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch over their surface.

How big does an Azaleas get?

Vernus Rhododendron can grow 4-6 feet in height while spreading 6-8 feet in width, when grown in optimal conditions.

Are Azaleas low maintenance?

Azalea and Rhododendron shrubs are very easy to grow and low maintenance. Water during drought, prune only after flowering and fertilize with an acid-loving organic, slow-release flowering plant fertilizer.

What is the difference between Rhododendrons and Azaleas?

All Azaleas are Rhododendrons but not all Rhodondendrons are Azaleas. Azalea tends to be smaller-sized with smaller leaves and stems, while Rhododendrons can be larger with stout branching and larger bloom trusses. There can both be either deciduous or broad-leaved evergreens.

How Do I Find Azalea and Rhododendrons for Sale Near Me?

Make your life easier and your yard happier by shopping for Azaleas at NatureHills.com online nursery. You'll find a massive selection of flowering bushes for sale, including many lovely varieties!

Choose the right shrub for your area by first finding your growing zone by entering your zip code in the field above the Plant Highlights section on our product pages. Narrow down your options by plant hardiness zone, sun availability, and size requirements.

Place your order, knowing it's backed by the Nature Hills Nursery product guarantee and protected by Plant Sentry™, which helps ensure regulated plant materials aren't sent to prohibited areas.

Expect to receive your plants at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone when temperatures are safest to ship through and into.