Rhododendron ‘Bengal’ – A Bold, Elegant Shrub with Brilliant Orange-Red Blooms
Rhododendron ‘Bengal’ is a striking, evergreen shrub that adds a bold burst of colour to the garden with its vibrant orange-red flowers in late spring. This variety of Rhododendron is cherished for its large, showy blooms, which contrast beautifully with its dark green, glossy foliage. ‘Bengal’ is known for its upright, compact growth habit, making it perfect for both smaller gardens and larger landscapes. Its vivid, flame-like flowers bring a touch of tropical warmth to temperate climates, making it a standout choice for any garden in need of drama and structure.
Why Grow Rhododendron ‘Bengal’?
Brilliant Orange-Red Blooms – The striking clusters of vivid orange-red flowers bloom profusely in late spring, creating a stunning contrast against the deep green foliage, adding a fiery splash of colour to the garden.
Upright & Compact Habit – Reaching a height of 50 cm, Rhododendron ‘Bengal’ maintains a neat, bushy form that makes it perfect for borders, woodland gardens, or container plantings, where it adds structure and interest without overwhelming the space.
Evergreen Foliage – The dark green, glossy leaves provide year-round appeal, ensuring the shrub remains attractive throughout the seasons, even after the blooms have faded. This makes ‘Bengal’ a reliable and striking addition to any landscape.
Pollinator-Friendly – The vibrant blooms attract bees and butterflies, making it a wonderful choice for a wildlife-friendly garden that supports pollinators.
Hardy & Low-Maintenance – Rhododendron ‘Bengal’ is a hardy shrub that thrives in well-drained, acidic soil. It requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It thrives in sheltered spots, protected from strong winds that can damage the flowers, making it ideal for woodland or woodland-edge settings.
Soil: Best suited to well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Rhododendrons prefer slightly acidic conditions (pH 4.5–6.0) and benefit from consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
Watering: Water regularly when newly planted, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Once established, Rhododendron ‘Bengal’ is moderately drought-tolerant but will thrive with regular watering during dry spells.
Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and promote further blooming.
- Prune lightly after flowering to preserve the plant's compact shape and remove any dead or damaged growth.
- Mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool during warmer months.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Rhododendron ‘Bengal’ pairs beautifully with other vibrant spring-blooming plants such as Azaleas, Primroses, or Camellias, where its orange-red blooms create a stunning contrast with other bold hues. It also works wonderfully alongside woodland plants like Ferns, Hosta, or Bleeding Heart (Dicentra), which provide soft, lush foliage that complements the vivid flowers. For a dramatic effect, combine it with other Rhododendrons or large-flowered shrubs like Magnolia to create a show-stopping display of colour and texture in the garden.
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.
