Nova Zembla Rhododendron

Rhododendron x 'Nova Zembla'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy Red Blooms that Thrive in Heat and Cold Unlike Most Rhododendrons
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 8 ft Tall, 6 ft Wide
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Hummingbirds
Showy Red, Pink Blooms in Late Spring

$39⁹⁶

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for four to six hours of gentle morning sun, followed by dappled or full shade in the afternoon, especially in warmer climates. While 'Nova Zembla' tolerates more sun than most, too much direct, hot sun will scorch the leaves and fade the deep red blooms.
Soil: These shrubs require a very acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, which must also be reliably moist and extremely well-draining. If you have heavy clay, incorporate liberal amounts of coarse sand and well-rotted pine bark or peat moss to lift the planting area and prevent fatal "wet feet."

Watering Requirements

For the first year, ensure your new Rhododendron receives consistently deep watering to establish a strong root system, aiming for about an inch of water per week. Once established, they can tolerate short dry spells, but inconsistent moisture severely stresses the plant, resulting in poor flower bud development for the next season and browning leaf edges. During summer drought, water deeply when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Pruning Tips

Rhododendrons bloom on old wood, meaning this year's flowers come from buds set last summer, so timing is critical to preserve next year's show. The best time to prune is immediately after the spring flowers fade by snapping off the spent flower truss, which is called deadheading. This simple action shifts the plant's energy from seed production back into setting new flower buds for the following spring.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release fertilizer explicitly formulated for acid-loving plants, such as one labeled for Rhododendrons and Azaleas, once in early spring before the new growth fully expands. Since their roots are shallow and easily burned, use a balanced, low-dose formula. What to avoid: Do not fertilize after mid-July, as a late nitrogen boost encourages tender new growth that will not have time to harden off before winter, making it vulnerable to freezing and subsequent dieback.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Flowering, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Partial shade, Shade
Height	8 ft
Width	6 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Red, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Azalea
Botanical Name	Rhododendron x 'Nova Zembla'
Species	x
Cultivar	Nova Zembla
Class	Ericales, Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

One of our fastest-selling Rhododendrons! Not all Rhododendrons are created equal. The Nova Zembla Rhododendron (Rhododendron x 'Nova Zembla') is a queen in the spring garden and one of Nature Hill's fastest-selling shrubs! Beautiful trusses of red flowers practically shine on this dense-growing broad-leaved evergreen.

The flashy scarlet flowers will crown this plant each mid-spring and the luxuriant leaves stay green all year. This is a Rhodie that looks just as good in the part sun and heat as it does in the cool shade.

It is perhaps the most widely grown and successful red hybrid for harsh climates. The cold hardy and easy-care features are just a small part of what makes Nova a truly remarkable plant. Reining over your landscape with a dignified presence.

Bursting onto the scene each spring, the bright scarlet-red blooms have darker red spots. In the sunnier areas and as the blooms age, they fade to deep pink. These lovely blooms roll out the royal red carpet to attract bees, butterflies, and Hummingbirds, searching for an early spring meal!

A highly sought-after broadleaf evergreen that blooms in late spring and is native all along the East Coast. The foliage is smooth, green to sage green, and keeps this cooling tone all year round! Each leaf has a soft, wavy edge that stays green all year round throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 8!

How to Use Nova Zembla Rhododendron In The Landscape

Compact and naturally an easy-to-manage size, Nova Zembla Rhododendron makes an excellent foundation plant or tidy hedge. Just the right height for wonderful privacy, a row of this Rhododendron makes your landscape shine! Highlight a fenceline or accent your shady backyard.

These evergreen shrubs are also very effective as an accent plant in shady borders and that bold bloom color lends beauty to every type of garden bed it goes in. Especially in the spring when it really lights up the landscape! Be sure to plant one where you can see its spring display.

For a real show-stopper, try Nova Zembla lining a partially shaded driveway or separating a walkway in the front yard. An excellent, upright growing foundation plant, these will add amazing, year-round head-turning color to your home's curb appeal!

Nova gives your mixed-shrub and mixed-evergreen borders the royal treatment with lush shades to enrich your garden's color palate. The bold evergreen color will provide a strong, year-round backdrop for your other summer-blooming flowers. Looking lovely around other shady perennials and are always good neighbors to Hosta.

Nova looks inspired in an Asian garden setting, its form and shape go along with the Zen architecture and feel. Vibrant and versatile, Rhododendron will reward you with low-maintenance blooms and steady green character year-round.

Woodland garden settings or edge-of-the-woods plantings under larger trees, makes Nova Zembla feel completely at home. Hedges or mass plantings also benefit from the good looks and easy care this evergreen shrub offers!

Winter brings the same consistent color to what would otherwise be a bleak absence of green in your snowy landscape. Nova holding onto her leaves and summer colors through the cold.

Beautiful Bright Red Spring Blooms
Small, Dense Shrub
Frosty Green Broad-Leaved Evergreen Foliage
Butterflies, Bees & Hummingbirds!
Our Most Popular Rhododendron
Woodland Gardens, Great Foundation Plant, Anchors & Specimen

#ProPlantTips For Care

Nova Zembla is so easy-to-grow and loves the part shade and dappled sun areas of your landscape. The foliage and bright blooms just shine in the shadowy parts of the garden. Cold hardy in growing zones 4-8.

Nova also appreciates organically rich, well-drained soil, but with good consistent moisture. Nova Zembla prefers slightly acidic soil, making it perfectly suited to planting around evergreens. For best results, feed with an acid fertilizer such as Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Organic and Natural Premium Fertilizer. Fertilize right after bloom. Keep the soil pH between 4.5 and 5.5 for the best results.

Nova also loves a generous layer of mulch over the root systems to hold in water and keep the roots insulated from both heat and the chill. Nova also benefits from some protection from cold, dry winter winds. Planting by a fenceline or closer to your home in these conditions will keep Nova looking her best.

Like other Rhododendrons, Nova shouldn't need much pruning, but if necessary, it is best to prune right after Nova has finished blooming.

Part Sun or Shade Lover
Consistent Moisture Needs
Enriched, Highly Organic Well-Drained Soil
Cold Hardy & Acid-Soil Loving
Prune After Flowering

If you have a tough, shady spot or a dreary corner in your garden, then you need the brilliant spring color and stately beauty that only Nova Zembla Rhododendron provides! You can see why Nova is such a great-selling shrub!

The regal Nova Zembla Rhodendron is one of our fastest-selling Rhododendrons and there is always the likelihood that we will sell out! So order these iron-clad Rhododendrons from Nature Hills Nursery now and don't miss out!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to plant an Azalea bush?

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 Azalea bush get?

Nova Zembla Rhodendron can reach 4-5 feet tall and wide in optimal conditions.

Are Azalea bushes 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 Rhododendron Bushes 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.