Rhododendron Virginia Richards

Rhododendron Virginia Richards is a fabulous, medium sized rhododendron that trumpets the spring with deep pink buds that open into peachy conical blooms. This is a stunning variety with deep green, glossy evergreen leaves which will grow to a height of circa 4 feet when fully grown.

As a woodland shrub, rhododendrons prefer partial shade and acidic soil. Given the right conditions, Rhododendron Virginia Richards will reward you with a beautiful display of very exotic looking flowers.
Read our blog on Woodland Garden Design featuring Rhododendrons

Rhododendron Virginia Richards belongs to the elepidote hybrids, which are the most commonly grown type of cultivated rhododendrons. Elepidote means simply without scales on the underside of the leave (as opposed to lepidote meaning with scales). Its flowering time is mid-season, around first half of May. It has long lasting tubular flowers that are pale pink on opening, maturing to a pale creamy yellow colour with irregular pink splotches. Flowers are in round trusses of up to 12 individual flowers.

Rhododendron Virginia Richards is a low grower with a naturally rounded and compact habit and a hardy constitution. It is a firm favourite that does well in cooler parts of the UK.   

On a historical note, Rhododendron Virginia Richards, a Whitney Rhododendron, was hybridised by Rhododendron hybridizer William E. Whitney in 1975 at his celebrated Whitney Gardens near Seattle, USA.