Rhododendron ‘Holden‘s Pink Flare'

Rhododendron ‘Holden’s™ Pink Flare’: Cinnamon-Kissed Spring Glow

With ruffled soft-pink flowers and a warm cinnamon splotch at the centre, Rhododendron ‘Holden’s™ Pink Flare’ brings a refined, luminous look to the spring garden. Pink buds open in May and hold their colour for weeks, sitting neatly above elongated, glossy dark-green foliage that keeps the plant looking polished well beyond bloom. Naturally compact, rounded, and densely branched, it offers the tidy habit designers love—perfect for framing paths, anchoring shade borders, or adding evergreen structure near patios and entryways. A strong early-season nectar source, it also welcomes pollinators when blooms are still scarce.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–105 cm
• Spread: 90–105 cm
• Flower Colour: Soft pink with a cinnamon splotch
• Flowering Period: May (blooms for 2–3 weeks)
• Foliage: Elongated, glossy dark green evergreen leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil

Uses and Benefits: This is a natural choice for woodland borders, foundation plantings, and sheltered courtyard beds where evergreen structure matters year-round. Its compact size makes it easy to layer with other shade plants without overwhelming the space, and it’s especially effective in repeat plantings to create a calm, cohesive rhythm. The cinnamon-throated blooms read as “warm pink” rather than pastel, giving spring plantings more depth and visual richness—particularly against stone, dark mulch, or evergreen backdrops.

Care Instructions: Plant in a protected site with part shade—morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal—then keep the root zone cool with a generous mulch of pine bark or shredded leaves. Water deeply during dry spells, especially while establishing, and avoid soggy sites or heavy clay that stays wet. Use an acid-forming fertilizer lightly in spring if needed, and deadhead spent trusses after flowering for a cleaner look. Prune only sparingly, and only right after bloom, to preserve next year’s buds.

History: Rhododendron ‘Holden’s™ Pink Flare’ is part of the Holden’s series, selected for a compact, densely branched habit and an extended spring display. It has been introduced as a distinct cultivar valued for its refined flower form, warm throat marking, and consistent garden performance.

Final Thoughts: If you want a rhododendron that stays neat, looks evergreen-sharp all season, and delivers a warm, detailed pink bloom right when spring hits its stride, ‘Holden’s™ Pink Flare’ is an easy favourite—subtle from afar, beautifully intricate up close.