Black Hat® Rhododendron

Rhododendron x 'NCRX2'

Proven Winners®

$26¹⁴

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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

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 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

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

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!

Botanical Name

Rhododendron x 'NCRX2'
Class
- Ericales
- Magnoliopsida
Species

x
Cultivar

NCRX2
Growing Zones

4-8
Height

2-3 ft
Width

2-3 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Purple
- Pink
Leaf Color
- Green
- Black
Fall Color

Purple Tinges
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-8

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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?

Black Hat® Rhododendron can reach around 2-3 feet in height and width 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.

What Shipping Options Do You Offer?

NatureHills.com works closely with our growers and nursery professionals to ensure we ship when it is most appropriate for your area. Our goal is to deliver the hardiest plants by avoiding extreme high and low temperatures. Check out our shipping schedule for more information and to learn our wills and don'ts when it comes to shipping plants. Find your Azaleas for sale here at NatureHills.com!