Black Hat® Rhododendron

Rhododendron x 'NCRX2'

Proven Winners®

Dark Evergreen Foliage Deepens in Cool Weather, Creating Year-Round Drama
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple, Pink Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Excellent Border or Small groups

$26¹⁴

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This variety is more sun-tolerant than many Rhododendrons and thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for the best bloom production and foliage color. However, in hotter climates (Zones 7-8), providing shelter from the harsh afternoon rays will keep the leaves looking their best.
Soil: These plants demand acidic, well-draining soil that feels loose and fluffy, similar to the forest floor. If you are dealing with heavy clay, you must amend the soil with pine bark or peat moss to improve drainage, or simply plant in a raised mound to keep the roots from sitting in water.

Watering Requirements

Because Rhododendrons have shallow root systems, they dry out faster than deep-rooted shrubs and need consistent moisture, especially during their first year. Water deeply once or twice a week to encourage roots to spread, ensuring the soil stays cool and moist but never soggy. Inconsistent watering often results in drooping leaves and flower buds that fail to open the following spring.

Pruning Tips

This plant blooms on "old wood," meaning the flower buds form during the summer for the next year's show. To avoid cutting off future flowers, do any necessary shaping immediately after the current blooms fade in late spring. Simply snip off the spent flower trusses to tidy the plant and trim back any wayward branches to maintain a neat, mounded form.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your Rhododendron once in early spring, just before new growth begins, using a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer, as late nitrogen applications encourage soft, tender growth that will likely be damaged by the first winter freeze.

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, Compact/Dwarf, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Evergreen, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Purple, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Azalea
Botanical Name	Rhododendron x 'NCRX2'
Species	x
Cultivar	NCRX2
Class	Ericales, Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Watch the magic unfold right in front of your eyes each spring as this stunning plant emerges from its winter sleep! The rich, dark, dramatic evergreen foliage will be topped off with bright pink buds that will open to gorgeous lavender-pink blooms every spring! Black Hat® Rhododendron (Rhododendron x 'Black Hat' PP31,898) has an early bloom set that lasts longer than most Rhododendrons.

This compact shrub stands 3 feet tall and wide and makes such a bold statement in your garden! The cooler the weather the darker the leaves. Black Hat® features small leaves with a well-branched, dense habit which results in more flowers. Plant one for your Hummingbirds and pollinators who will add that extra, all-season 'wow' in your garden!

These broad-leaf evergreen flowering shrubs are space-saving ornamentals that are perfect for shadier gardens and sun. A Proven Winners® ColorChoice® selection, so you know Black Hat® will perform fantastically in your garden!

Planting and Application:

Place Black Hat® in your border as a solid hedge or part of a mixed-shrub border. Ideally sized to work in porch and patio planters and even balconies! A perfect foundation planting, edging hedge, ornamental curb appeal, and woodland and wilderness borders! The color is fantastic when used en masse. Use it as a year-round hedge along your front walkway.

They are magical wherever you plant them! Black Hat® will make a beautiful specimen or a stunning statement when planted in a mass in the landscape. Since they are tolerant of shade, they make a perfect plant to place by your foundation. Such an easy plant to maintain. They attract pollinators so be sure to watch the show! Entryways bordered by these will be astounding each spring and are sure to create an incredible first impression.

Gorgeous Lavender-Pink Flowers
Broadleaved Evergreen with Purplish-Green Foliage
Blooms Early to Mid Spring
Pollinator & Hummingbird-Friendly
Foundation Planting, Containers, Accents, Edging & Specimens

#ProPlantTips For Care

Rhododendrons love partial shade in the hotter USDA growing zones 4 to 8 but full sun in all zones. They love acidic, well-drained soil and appreciate regular moisture and mulch to protect their shallow root systems. Black Hat® will bloom on last year's growth so only prune right after the flowers fade. As soon as your Rhododendrons are done blooming, grab your shears and only prune them to your desired size and shape so as not to disturb next year's blooms.

Full Sun, Partial Shade & Afternoon Shade
Moist to Moderate Moisture Needs
Enriched Acidic Well-Drained Soil
Prune Right After Flowering
Easy to Care For!

Be sure to order your magical Black Hat® Rhododendron from our experts at Nature Hills Nursery! Hurry and order yours right away!

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Black Hat® Rhododendron joins our premium collection of proven winners® and evergreen shrubs that provide year-round structure and seasonal blooms. For gardeners seeking reliable performers, explore our full selection of rhododendron bushes and flowering shrubs, and discover helpful maintenance tips in our guide to Timing for Pruning Flowering Shrubs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I fertilize Black Hat® Rhododendron, and when?

Fertilize Black Hat® Rhododendron in early spring before its early bloom period begins. Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer since rhododendrons prefer acidic soil conditions. Apply fertilizer around the base in late winter or very early spring for best flowering results.

How do I prune Black Hat® Rhododendron without affecting blooms?

Prune Black Hat® Rhododendron immediately after its early spring bloom finishes. Since it sets buds for next year's flowers in summer, any pruning after June will reduce blooms. Light shaping works best for this compact 3-foot shrub available at naturehills.com.

Is Black Hat® Rhododendron evergreen, and what does the foliage look like in winter?

Yes, Black Hat® Rhododendron is a broadleaf evergreen that retains its foliage year-round. The leaves display rich, dark purplish-green color that becomes even darker in cooler weather. Plant it where you can enjoy the dramatic winter foliage color from indoors.

How do I plant Black Hat® Rhododendron for best results, including mulch?

Plant Black Hat® Rhododendron in well-draining, acidic soil with partial shade to full sun. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from the stem.

Is Black Hat® Rhododendron deer resistant or attractive to pollinators?

Black Hat® Rhododendron is highly attractive to pollinators and hummingbirds with its early spring lavender-pink blooms. Like most rhododendrons, it's generally deer resistant due to its toxic foliage. Plant it where you can enjoy the pollinator activity from early to mid spring. Shop at Nature Hills for this Proven Winners selection.