Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla'

Classic, dependable, and ever-so-elegant evergreen garden shrubs. 

With roots stretching back to 1902, dedicated breeders in Holland created these exceptional "Ironclad" Rhododendrons by crossing multiple species. The results of their work are beautiful plants that handle greater adversity than your average Rhododendron.

While Nova Zembla Rhododendrons love partial shade and acidic, moist, well-draining soil, their inherent resilience means they adapt well even when facing conditions such as full sun, heat, and very cold winters. 

The gorgeous red-pink blooms creating a stunning display that attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. The plants also resist rabbit browsing.

At maturity, Nova Zembla Rhododendrons reach 7'T x W, developing into a substantial landscape anchor with year-round presence, working well as an evergreen hedge or accent plants. They are also delightful nestled under trees or in foundation plantings.

Full Sun/Partial Shade
Hardy to Zone 4 (-30F)

❤️ Long time RCN Customer Favorite

Plant Nerd:

• If you prefer redder blooms, plant them in partial shade. When grown in full sun the blooms tend to be more pink. 
• The exact genetics of this plant have been lost to time. The most we know of the parentage: Rhododendron 'Parsons Grandiflorum' x unnamed hardy red hybrid (possibly a R. catawbiense hybrid). Nova Zemblas themselves are usually called Rhododendron x 'Nova Zembla'.
• Nova Zembla translates to New Land. 
• Rhododendrons have shallow root systems. It is best to plant them fairly high in the hole that you dig for them, such as 1/3 above the soil line, and then cover the base of the plant and any exposed roots with pine bark fines / soil enhancer / soil conditioner.
• Read our Rhododendron Garden Guide here (PDF)