Cherries and Merlot Rhododendron

Superb red flowers and foliage! The Cherries and Merlot Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Cherries and Merlot') is such a standout variety with attention-grabbing clear, cherry red flowers held aloft on sturdy round trusses. But really, it's the bicolored foliage that delivers the knockout punch!

Each glossy, dark green, ovate leaf is brushed with a deeply delicious, Merlot-colored underside! No matter what time of year, this compact broad-leaf evergreen beauty is absolutely stunning! You'd never get tired of this soothing, restful colorway. But don't worry - those bright red blooms in spring will liven things up for several weeks! Attracting bees, butterflies, and even Hummingbirds!

The Cherries and Merlot Rhododendron is hardy throughout USDA growing zones 6-9, and form rounded 3-4 foot tall and wide mounds of evergreen foliage. It's a great choice if you'd like a Rhododendron that provides a lot of color, but asks little in return!

Planting and Application:

With a profusion of dazzling, red blooms in spring, two-tone foliage, and gorgeous fall colors, Cherries and Merlot Rhododendron deserves a special place in the landscape! They are tremendous when planted as foundation plants along the house. They are so elegant and make the perfect plants to use near your front entrance.

These are also one of the most beautiful plants to use near the patio or seating areas in the yard. Enjoy being creative with this year-round green stand-out! Flowering privacy screens are worth their weight in gold! Hide nosy neighbors along your patio seating, or block an unsightly view, everyone will appreciate a 'friendly fence' along your property line. Plant a few of these in your mixed border or use them as a foundation planting for instant curb appeal.

The bright colors and steady evergreen presence even make this Rhododendron a stand-out specimen plant! Bursting at the seams with exciting energy! These would also look terrific in containers on your front porch or patio. It has a compact nature that makes it ideal for container gardeners on your back patio and is perfectly suited for smaller gardens!

Play off the foliage by pairing it with other dark foliage shrubs such as Ninebark or Wine & Roses Weigela. Punch it up with a Purple Fountain Grass, or use the delicious, deep purple blooms of Ebb Tide™ Rose as a wonderful coordinating partner. Evergreen trees and shrubs will look fabulous next to this bold selection. These are must-haves for the pollinator border, and the woodland garden where all will frolic in the dappled shade!

• Cherry Red Spring Blooms
• Wonderful Bi-Colored Green & Purple/Scarlet Leaves
• Long Bloom Time & Dazzling Spring Display
• Rounded Mid-Sized Shrub
• Specimens, Focal Points, Containers, Hedges & Foundation Plantings

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Rhododendrons will even do well in part shade or full sun! Enriched well-drained soil is a must. Ensure their roots have life-long symbiotic support with Nature Hills Root Booster used during planting. Remember not to plant these shallow-rooted plants too deeply. Mound them up in a hill of extra soil, leaving an inch or two of the root ball showing.

You'll then bring a three-inch layer of mulch up around the base of the plant. Last, pull the mulch back away from touching the stems. Water consistently during the first season. Thereafter, you'll want to give Azaleas regular deep drinks when the weather gets dry.

Rhododendrons need well-drained soil and hate "wet feet", so check how fast water drains in your yard by digging a hole and pouring a bucket of water in it. Does it take longer than 10 minutes to drain? If so, you'll need to improve the drainage by creating a mound or raised bed 18 inches tall. Amend the soil with pine needle compost and perlite pellets. Alternatively, consider planting this variety in a large container where you can use fast-draining soil, amended with acidic peat moss or fine pine bark soil conditioner. You'll need to plan to keep this beauty evenly watered.

Prune to shape, but wait until after the blooms are finished! Don't wait too long, as you might accidentally trim off next year's flowers. Avoid underplanting near your Azalea to give the roots room to spread and keep the area weeded. Feed with slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving, ericaceous plants. Follow the label directions for timing and application rates.

• Full Sun & Partial Shade
• Acidic Enriched Well-Drained Soil
• Moderate Moisture & Mulched Beds
• Prune Immediately After Spring Flowers Fade
• Cold Hardy & Heat Resistant

Gorgeous blooms and unique foliage, this is a real standout selection! We'll run out of this selection very quickly, order your own vibrant Cherries and Merlot Rhododendron now at Nature Hills!

Azalea and Rhododendron Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to plant a Rhododendrons?

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 do Rhododendrons get?

Cherries and Merlot Rhododendrons can grow around 3-4 feet in height and width, when grown in optimal conditions.

Are Rhododendrons low maintenance?

Azaleas 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.

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!