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Holden’s™ Red Rhododendron

Rhododendron ‘HoldenRhodo221’ PP 35,416

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Shrub
$10939
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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This variety thrives in dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. While it can handle about 4 to 6 hours of direct light, too much hot afternoon sun will scorch the leaves and cause the vibrant red flowers to fade prematurely.
  • Soil: Aim for rich, acidic, and well drained soil that feels like a wrung out sponge. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised mound to keep the roots from sitting in water, and mix in pine bark or peat moss to lower the pH.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Holden’s™ Red two to three times a week to help the shallow root system settle into its new home. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant, but you should still provide a deep soaking during dry summer spells to prevent the flower buds for next year from drying up. Inconsistent watering often leads to "leaf curl," which is the plant's way of telling you it is thirsty and stressed.

Pruning Tips

These rhododendrons bloom on old wood, so you must prune them immediately after the spring flowers fade. Simply "deadhead" the spent blooms by snapping them off with your fingers to redirect energy into growth rather than seed production. Think of it like a light trim; avoiding late season pruning ensures you do not accidentally cut off next year's flower buds.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a dedicated acid loving plant fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers in late summer, as this encourages soft new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. This prevents the "winter kill" that often happens when tender stems are exposed to freezing temperatures.

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 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7 Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12 Week of February 15th


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

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Looking for a fiery spring showstopper? Holden's™ Red Rhododendron PP#35,416 (Rhododendron 'HoldenRhodo221') sets the garden ablaze with trusses of deep, ruby-red blooms in mid to late spring. This broad-leaved evergreen shrub dazzles with its glowing flowers, making it a true garden star! The blooms are rounded trusses packed with vibrant color, giving an unforgettable display right when spring gardens need their brightest moment.

This modern hybrid shows off with glossy, leathery foliage that keeps its handsome green color year-round. Dense and mounding in habit, Holden's™ Red forms a broad, spreading shape that matures to about 4-5 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, perfect for hedges or specimen plantings. Its sturdy evergreen structure means your landscape keeps good bones even in the winter months.

Key Features

Rhododendrons have a history of symbolizing elegance and natural beauty, making Holden's™ Red a cultural and horticultural treasure.

  • Bold ruby-red flower clusters in spring
  • Broadleaf evergreen shrub with glossy green foliage
  • Compact, broad, mounded form
  • Reaches 4-5 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide
  • Unique hybrid introduction

Landscaping Uses

Holden's™ Red Rhododendron is a showpiece shrub that shines in mixed shrub borders, woodland gardens, and foundation plantings. Its evergreen foliage and big spring blooms make it versatile and impactful.

  • Perfect as a flowering hedge or privacy screen
  • Bold specimen shrub in the front yard
  • Adds structure to foundation plantings
  • Great companion for Azaleas, Ferns, and Hostas
  • Ideal in woodland or shade gardens

Care & Maintenance

Holden's™ Red Rhododendron thrives in USDA growing zones 5-8. This broad-leaved evergreen keeps its foliage all year, providing lasting beauty. It prefers consistent moisture, acidic soil, and partial shade for best health and bloom performance. Learn more in our guide to Rhododendron care and pruning.

  • Planting Time: Best in spring or fall
  • Sun Requirements: Part shade to filtered sun (morning sun, afternoon shade)
  • Soil Requirements: Acidic, rich, organic, well-drained soil - does not tolerate alkaline or compacted soils
  • Moisture Needs: Keep soil evenly moist - use the Finger Test. New shrubs need consistent water during their first year
  • Mulch: Always apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of Arborist Mulch to regulate temperature and conserve moisture
  • Fertilization Needs: Use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants in spring after flowering; compost works well too
  • Pruning Info: Minimal pruning needed - prune right after bloom if shaping is necessary. Avoid cutting late, as it forms buds on old wood.
  • Special Perks: Deer-resistant, low-maintenance once established, excellent cold and heat tolerance for its range
  • Provide winter watering for broadleaf evergreens to prevent winter burn. Read how and why here!

Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal symbiotic root support

Red Hot Beauty You'll Adore!

Gorgeous Holden's™ Red Rhododendron brings sizzling spring color with year-round structure that's impossible to ignore. Its bold blooms and evergreen form will anchor your garden in all seasons. Order your Holden's™ Red today from Nature Hills, and start enjoying unforgettable color right at your doorstep!

Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What color are Holden’s™ Red Rhododendron flowers?
  • They are rich, ruby-red flower clusters that bloom in mid to late spring.

Does Holden’s™ Red Rhododendron keep its leaves year-round?
  • Yes, it’s a broadleaved evergreen with glossy, dark green foliage that stays attractive all year.

How big does Holden’s™ Red Rhododendron grow?
  • It matures to about 4-5 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, with a broad, mounded shape.

Does Holden’s™ Red need acidic soil?
  • Yes, it requires acidic, rich, organic soil with good drainage to thrive.

Can Holden’s™ Red Rhododendron tolerate full sun?
  • It prefers partial shade or filtered light, with morning sun and afternoon shade being ideal.
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