Rhododendron

About this plant

Prepare to be captivated by the dramatic beauty of the 'Nova Zembla' Rhododendron. This classic broadleaf evergreen erupts with spectacular trusses of funnel-shaped, vibrant red flowers, each accented with delicate black freckles on the upper petal, creating a truly unforgettable garden spectacle. Its dark green, leathery foliage provides a rich, enduring backdrop year-round, ensuring your landscape maintains its lush appeal even when not in bloom. Ideal for creating striking borders, foundational plantings, or as a magnificent specimen plant, 'Nova Zembla' brings a touch of refined elegance to any garden design. Its upright, rounded form and impressive bloom power make it a perennial favorite among garden enthusiasts and landscape designers alike. At A Cut Above, we select only the finest 'Nova Zembla' Rhododendrons, ensuring you receive a healthy, vigorous plant ready to transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary of color and beauty.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Thrives in well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Apply a slow-release, acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, removing spent flower trusses carefully to avoid damaging new buds. Protect from harsh winter winds and strong afternoon sun in exposed locations.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.