WHAT: Despite its name, the rhododendron Christmas Cheer doesn’t bloom until late January, February or even as late as early March.
A small stem with a pale pink bud blooms into a dome of white to light pink on this compact shrub.
WHY PLANT IT: The early blooming plant gives color to the garden, contrasting nicely with dark green foliage, and is easy to grow in the Pacific Northwest.
WHERE: Plant it in rich well-drained or sandy soil in a location with full sun to light or open shade.
Rhododendrons are shallow-rooted plants requiring regular watering during dry weather.
Remove the faded flowers to give the shrub a cleaner look. New growth can be pinched to help make young plants bushier.
ACTUAL SIZE: Christmas Cheer reaches to about 3 feet in 10 years.
LEARN MORE: See www. greatplantpicks.org.
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