‘Besse Howells’ Rhododendron
Rhododendron ‘Besse Howells’
Other Names: Bessie Howells Rhododendron
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5a-8b (4b?) Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Shrub
Height at Maturity: 4-6′
Width at Maturity: 4-6′
Spacing: 4′ for solid hedges; 10′ for space between plants
Flower Color: Raspberry-Red highlighted with White and Deep Maroon spots
Flower Size: 2-3″ in 6 in diameter clusters
Flowering Period: Spring
Flower Type: Single, in rounded clusters
Fragrant Flowers: No
Foliage Color: Dark Green
Fragrant Foliage: No
Berries: No
Berry Color: NA
Sun Needs: Full Sun in cool climates, Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade or All Day Filtered Sun in hot climates
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand, Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained
Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.0 (Acid)
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Butterflies, Visual Attention
Resistances: Cold (-30F), Humidity, Insect, Full Sun in cool climates
Description
Introduced in the 1960’s and still as popular today as she ever was, the ‘Besse Howells’ Rhododendron is adored for her captivating large trusses of brilliantly colored and lightly scented flowers. Each large and frilly flower is 2.5 inches across with raspberry-red petals and a deep maroon blotch. Absolutely gorgeous! With a compact habit 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, this stunning evergreen beauty is ideal as an elegant focal point in smaller garden spaces or in groupings in landscape and woodland borders. Cold hardy to -20F and easy to grow.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 4 to 6 feet tall and equally as wide, the Besse Howells Rhododendron is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings or as a natural hedge in partially shaded landscape and woodland borders. A fine accent or grouping in home foundation plantings. Does especially well on fertile embankments, hillsides and slopes. Can also be grown in large pots, planters and other containers with a diameter of 18 inches or more. A fine addition to red theme gardens, rhododendron and azalea gardens, Asian or zen gardens, and woodland gardens.
Suggested Spacing: 4 feet apart for solid hedges; 8 feet or more apart for space between plants
Growing Preferences
When it comes to success growing Rhododendrons, a little good advice goes a long way. When planted right and in the right spot, Rhododendrons are very easy to grow and care for.
Rhododendrons thrive in a moist but well-drained acidic soil that is rich in organic matter and part shade; preferable morning sun with afternoon shade or heavily filtered sun. All day dappled shade is fine as well. Keep in mind that whether growing in the ground or in containers, constantly soggy or wet soil is problematic for Rhododendrons, and most other plants for that matter. Some soils, such as heavy clay, quick-draining sand, or otherwise poor soils, might need to be amended to provide sufficient nutrients, better soil drainage, and/or moisture retention. In containers, select a pot with a drainage hole(s) and use a 50/50 blend of professional potting mix and potting soil. Avoid using any native soil in pots. Feed Rhododendrons after they bloom with an acid-loving formula such as an Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Food.
Helpful Articles
Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Rhododendrons.
How To Plant A Rhododendron
How To Fertilize & Water A Rhododendron
How To Prune A Rhododendron
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Packaged extremely well as I have gotten packages that didn’t arrive well from other vendors. Plant looked very healthy, will have to wait until blooming occurs—————————————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the awesome review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG























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