Elizabeth Rhododendron

A rounded, compact, low-spreading evergreen shrub reaching 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Large scarlet-red funnel-campanulate flowers in lax trusses of 5 to 8 blooms, covering the plant in spring. May rebloom in late summer. Dark green foliage with burgundy-red new growth. A hybrid of R. forrestii subsp. forrestii Repens Group crossed with R. griersonianum.

Hardy in Zone 7a-9a. Part shade on acidic, well-drained soil. The potential for late-summer rebloom is an unusual bonus. Low spreading habit suits bank plantings and the front of borders where the scarlet flowers are visible from above. Slow growth. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.

Well-suited to Puget Sound maritime conditions. Common in residential landscapes; the low, spreading habit works well as a foundation plant or in woodland gardens. Tolerates the cool, moist climate but needs good drainage; clay soil sites typical of the Green River valley require raised beds or amendment. Susceptible to root weevil damage (noted by OSU). ‘Elizabeth’ is widely available at PNW nurseries. Observed in bloom at Issaquah 2026-04-20.

— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist