Rhododendron Hybrid 'Nova Zembla' – A Show-Stopping Evergreen with Brilliant Red Blooms
Rhododendron hybrid 'Nova Zembla' is a spectacular, hardy evergreen shrub that bursts into a vibrant display of deep red flowers in spring. Known for its large, glossy green leaves and outstanding floral show, 'Nova Zembla' is a standout in any garden. Reaching a height of 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 6.5 feet) and a spread of 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 6.5 feet), this variety is perfect for adding structure, colour, and year-round interest to borders, woodland gardens, or foundation plantings. With its bold, crimson flowers and lush foliage, 'Nova Zembla' brings an air of elegance and drama to any landscape.
Why Grow Rhododendron Hybrid 'Nova Zembla'?
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Vibrant Red Blooms – The most striking feature of 'Nova Zembla' is its large clusters of deep red flowers that appear in late spring. These bold blooms create a show-stopping display, adding a burst of colour to the garden when many other plants are still waking up from winter.
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Evergreen Foliage – 'Nova Zembla' retains its dark green, leathery leaves throughout the year, providing structure and colour even in the colder months. The glossy leaves offer a beautiful contrast to the brilliant flowers, making it a standout plant all year long.
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Compact & Hardy – This rhododendron is compact and hardy, making it ideal for gardens of various sizes. It is resilient to cold temperatures, thriving in colder climates, and is perfect for adding a splash of colour to garden borders or woodland settings.
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Low-Maintenance – 'Nova Zembla' is easy to grow and care for, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance and can thrive in a range of conditions with little intervention.
Planting & Care Guide
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Position: Rhododendron hybrid 'Nova Zembla' prefers partial shade to full shade, especially in warmer climates. In areas with hot summers, it benefits from some afternoon shade. However, in cooler climates, it can tolerate more sun, which may help to promote a more prolific bloom. Choose a location with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
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Soil: This rhododendron prefers acidic, well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic conditions with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. Make sure the soil is consistently moist but well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which could damage the roots.
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Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during dry periods, as 'Nova Zembla' prefers a consistently damp environment. However, ensure that the soil drains well to avoid root rot. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.
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Maintenance:
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Pruning: Light pruning is recommended to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. However, avoid heavy pruning as this can affect the flowering display. After blooming, deadheading spent flowers will improve the plant’s appearance and prevent self-seeding.
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Feeding: Fertilise in early spring with a slow-release fertiliser formulated for acid-loving plants to promote strong growth and abundant blooms. It’s essential to use a fertiliser that supports acidic soil conditions, as rhododendrons can be sensitive to alkaline soils.
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Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulch such as pine bark or wood chips is ideal for rhododendrons.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Rhododendron hybrid 'Nova Zembla' makes an excellent addition to a variety of garden styles, thanks to its vibrant blooms and elegant foliage. It pairs beautifully with a range of plants, offering both contrast and harmony in your garden design.
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Contrasting Foliage – The dark green leaves of 'Nova Zembla' provide an excellent contrast to the bright blooms. Pair it with plants that have lighter or variegated foliage, such as Hostas, Heuchera, or Ferns, to create a visually balanced look with multiple textures.
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Evergreens – For a year-round garden, combine 'Nova Zembla' with other evergreen shrubs or trees like Azaleas, Boxwood, or Holly. These plants will help provide structure and interest even when the rhododendron is not in bloom.
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Spring-Flowering Bulbs – Underplant 'Nova Zembla' with spring-flowering bulbs such as Daffodils, Crocus, or Snowdrops. These early bloomers will complement the late spring flowering of the rhododendron, adding layers of colour and interest to your garden.
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Shade-Loving Plants – Since 'Nova Zembla' thrives in partial to full shade, it pairs well with other shade-loving plants like Astilbes, Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra), or Japanese Ferns. These plants will create a lush, woodland-like setting with complementary textures and colours.
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Wildlife-Friendly Planting – Rhododendrons attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Pair 'Nova Zembla' with other wildlife-friendly plants like Pyracantha, Cotoneaster, or Lavender to create a garden that supports local wildlife while adding beautiful colour and fragrance.
Rhododendron hybrid 'Nova Zembla' is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking a hardy, eye-catching shrub with beautiful blooms. With its striking red flowers, lush evergreen foliage, and low-maintenance care requirements, this variety is perfect for bringing vibrant colour and structure to your garden. Whether planted as a standalone specimen or in combination with other plants, 'Nova Zembla' is sure to make a dramatic impact in any garden setting
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
