Lord Roberts Rhododendron

A vigorous, upright, rounded evergreen shrub reaching 5 feet in 10 years and 7 to 9 feet at maturity. Funnel-shaped dark red flowers with V-shaped black markings on the dorsal lobes, 2¼ to 3⅛ inches wide, carried in ball-shaped trusses of 12 to 22 blooms. Late-midseason flowering. A hybrid of R. catawbiense crossed with an unknown parent, bred by Mason (RHS 58).

The rippled, heavy-textured glossy foliage provides distinctive year-round visual interest beyond bloom, more than most elepidote hybrids offer in leaf alone. Large trusses (up to 22 flowers) make a strong display despite modest individual flower size. Hardy to -15°F (Zone 5b-9a). Full sun to part shade on acidic, well-drained soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Catawbiense parentage gives broad exposure tolerance. Vigorous growth requires generous spacing. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.