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Flowering Period: Mid Spring

Flower Type: Single, in large rounded clusters

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Dark Grey-Green turning Red-Bronze in winter

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Attracts: Butterflies, Visual Attention

Resistances:  Cold Temperatures (-10F), Disease, Heat, Humidity, Insect

Growing in a mound 3 to 4 feet tall and equally as wide, the Blue Barron Rhododendron is ideal for use as a specimen in smaller spaces or in groupings or as a colorful natural hedge in partially shaded landscape and woodland borders. Does especially well on fertile embankments, hillsides and slopes. Can be grown in large pots. A fine addition to blue theme gardens, rhododendron and azalea gardens, Asian or Zen gardens, and woodland gardens.

Suggested Spacing:  3 feet apart for solid hedges;  6 feet or more apart for space between plants

A little good advice goes a long way when it comes to growing Rhododendrons successfully. Blue Baron has some specific preferences for performing its best. First, as with other rhododendrons, it requires a well-drained acidic soil rich in organic matter. Acid soil is a must! If you suspect your soil is alkaline, add plenty of composted organic matter and/or soil sulfur and chelated iron to increase acidity. Constantly soggy or wet soil is problematic. It is hardy in USDA Zones 6a to 8b in cool-summer climates and 6a to 7b in hot-summer climates. It prefers part shade to shade. Avoid direct afternoon sun. Morning and evening sun are fine but filtered sun or shade during the afternoon hours is best. We've heard from those who live in the northeast that it prefers a location where it will be protected from strong winds during winter. If you want to grow it in a container, select a pot with a drainage hole(s) and use a 50/50 blend of professional potting mix and quality bagged potting soil. Avoid using any native soil in pots. Feed Rhododendrons after they bloom with an acid-loving formula such as an Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Food. A light trimming every two years or so will maintain a fuller, more dense plant. How To Prune A Rhododendron