Pink Pearl Rhododendron

Pink Pearl Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Pink Pearl') is a tall, long established hybrid with large trusses of soft pink flowers that fade to blush. It reaches about 2.5m high, flowers in spring and carries glossy evergreen leaves all year. It is a good choice for cool and mild gardens with acidic soil and shelter from the afternoon sun.

Why you'll love it

• Large, soft pink trusses. The flowers open pink and age to blush, so a mature shrub carries several shades at once.
• Generous size. At about 2.5m it works as a screening or backdrop shrub in a shaded border.
• Classic hardy hybrid. It handles winter cold well in cool temperate gardens.
• Evergreen leaves. Glossy foliage gives structure after the flowers have gone.
• Easy roots. The shallow fibrous roots are simple to plant around.

Where it works best

Backdrop planting. Use it behind smaller shrubs and ferns in a shaded border. Space plants 1.5m apart.

Informal screening. Several plants in a row make a flowering screen on a south facing boundary, with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Woodland gardens. Plant under tall trees where the canopy gives dappled light and shelter from wind.

Growing Pink Pearl Rhododendron in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled light or morning sun with protection from hot afternoon sun and wind. It suits cool temperate and mild warm temperate gardens. In humid subtropical and tropical gardens rhododendrons struggle, so choose other shade shrubs there.

Soil. Acidic, humus rich and free draining. Add leaf mould or composted bark, avoid lime, and apply a deep mulch to keep the shallow roots cool.

Water and feed. Keep soil evenly moist and never let it dry out in summer. Feed after flowering with an acid loving fertiliser.

Pruning. Minimal. Remove spent trusses without damaging the new buds below, and prune lightly after flowering to shape.

What to expect when it arrives

Plants are sold as 200mm pots in packs of 6. Each pot holds a young plant that will take a few seasons to approach its mature size. Plants travel upright, and should be planted into prepared acidic soil soon after arrival.

All parts of a rhododendron are toxic to pets and people if eaten, so plant it out of reach of animals and children who chew. Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Azaleas for companion planting
• Camellias for shaded gardens
• Ferns to plant beneath it
• Plants for cool climates

Common questions

How tall will Pink Pearl get?

About 2.5m at maturity, but slowly, so it takes many years to reach full size.

Can I grow it in a pot?

For a few years, in a large pot of acidic mix. It will eventually want the ground.

Is it safe around pets?

No. All parts are toxic if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets and children.