{"product_id":"nova-zembla-rhododendron","title":"Nova Zembla Rhododendron","description":"\u003ch2\u003eNova Zembla Rhododendron – The Most Cold-Hardy Red Rhododendron You Can Grow\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to bold spring color in cold climates, few shrubs can match the \u003cstrong\u003eNova Zembla Rhododendron\u003c\/strong\u003e. One of the most cold-hardy large-flowered rhododendrons available, Nova Zembla produces spectacular trusses of vivid red to rose-red blooms — each flower marked with a dark burgundy blotch at the throat — against a backdrop of large, glossy, deep-green evergreen leaves. It’s a shrub that commands attention in spring and earns its keep year-round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Nova Zembla Stands Apart\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional cold-hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e – Hardy to USDA zone 4 (−30°F) — one of the hardiest large-flowered rhododendrons available, reliable across northern gardens where most rhododendrons struggle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBold, vivid red blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e – Large trusses of rich red to rose-red flowers with a distinctive dark burgundy blotch — among the most striking spring-blooming shrubs in any landscape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvergreen year-round\u003c\/strong\u003e – Large, glossy, dark-green leaves provide structure, privacy, and lush texture through all four seasons.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShade-tolerant\u003c\/strong\u003e – Thrives in partial shade, making it ideal for north-facing beds, woodland gardens, and spots under tree canopies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact, manageable size\u003c\/strong\u003e – Matures at 5–6 ft. tall and wide — substantial enough for impact without overwhelming smaller spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong-lived\u003c\/strong\u003e – Rhododendrons are among the most enduring garden shrubs, often thriving for 50+ years with proper siting and care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollinator-friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e – Early spring blooms provide a vital nectar source for bumblebees and other early-season pollinators.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecimen focal point in shade or partial shade gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFoundation planting along north- or east-facing walls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWoodland garden anchor or mixed shrub border\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformal flowering hedge or privacy screen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaired with spring bulbs for a layered seasonal display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContainer planting for large patios and covered porches (zones 4–5)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePicture early May — your garden still waking up — and the Nova Zembla erupting in a blaze of deep red trusses, each cluster the size of a softball, glowing against those dark glossy leaves. It’s the kind of spring display that makes neighbors stop and ask what it is. That’s Nova Zembla.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones:\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA 4–8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Partial shade to filtered sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun and drying winter winds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry spells. Rhododendrons have shallow roots that dry out quickly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acidic, humus-rich, well-draining soil (pH 4.5–6.0). Amend with peat moss or pine bark at planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply 2–3 inches of pine bark or pine straw — essential for moisture retention and root protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feed with an acid-forming rhododendron\/azalea fertilizer in early spring before bloom. Do not over-fertilize.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deadhead spent flower trusses immediately after blooming to encourage next year’s bud set. Avoid pruning after July.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–6 ft. tall and wide (slow-growing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable Sizes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose from a 1-Gallon starter or a 3-Gallon established shrub for faster impact in the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eComparing Rhododendron Varieties?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you love Nova Zembla but want a softer color, check out the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/roseum-pink-rhododendron\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoseum Pink Rhododendron\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — a classic lavender-pink variety with similar cold-hardiness and the same shade-tolerant, evergreen profile, perfect for a complementary color pairing or a softer look.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Live Good Logistics","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":52021564768536,"sku":"EVS-RHO-NOV-NA-1G","price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":52021564801304,"sku":"EVS-RHO-NOV-NA-3G","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1110\/4944\/files\/shutterstock_1744007135.jpg?v=1777730015","url":"https:\/\/www.hendersongardensupply.com\/products\/nova-zembla-rhododendron","provider":"Henderson Garden Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}