Rhododendron ‘Holden‘s Red'

Rhododendron ‘Holden’s™ Red’: Velvet-Red Spring Accent

Rich, rose-red trusses with a dramatic dark red blotch give Rhododendron ‘Holden’s™ Red’ a bold, classic look that feels both polished and timeless. The flowers open in May and hold for weeks, creating a concentrated burst of colour that brightens part-shade borders and sheltered foundation beds. Dark green evergreen leaves, etched with deeply cut veins, add handsome texture through the growing season and keep the shrub looking substantial in winter. Compact, rounded, and densely branched, it offers dependable structure and a refined bloom display in one easy package.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–105 cm
• Spread: 90–105 cm
• Flower Colour: Rose-red with a dark red blotch
• Flowering Period: May (blooms for 2–3 weeks)
• Foliage: Dark green evergreen leaves with deeply cut veins
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil

Uses and Benefits: A natural choice for woodland-style borders, shaded entry gardens, and foundation plantings, ‘Holden’s™ Red’ delivers strong spring colour without taking up too much space. Its compact habit makes it ideal for layering with other broadleaf evergreens and shade perennials, or for repeating along a path to create a cohesive, upscale look. The evergreen foliage provides year-round presence, while the May bloom period offers an early-season nectar source that helps support pollinators.

Care Instructions: Plant in part shade in a protected site, then keep the root zone cool with a mulch of pine bark or shredded leaves. Water consistently during establishment and in dry weather, since rhododendrons perform best with even moisture and excellent drainage. Avoid heavy, soggy soils and do not let the plant dry out completely in summer heat. If feeding is needed, use a gentle fertilizer for acid-loving shrubs in spring. Deadhead after flowering for a tidier look, and prune only lightly right after bloom.

History: ‘Holden’s™ Red’ is part of a modern group of compact rhododendrons selected for a dense, rounded habit and a long-lasting spring flower show. Its saturated red colouring and dark throat marking give it a more dramatic presence than many traditional pinks, making it especially useful in refined, evergreen-forward designs.

Final Thoughts: For gardeners who want a compact rhododendron with real spring impact, ‘Holden’s™ Red’ delivers dependable structure and a velvety red bloom display that makes shaded spaces feel intentional and inviting.