Rhododendrons are beautiful flowering woody ornamental shrubs that are a favorite of many Illinois gardeners.  Deciduous and evergreen varieties of rhododendron are available, and bloom colors include white, purple, red, yellow, orange and rose.  Blooming season is typically from spring to early summer.  Rhododendrons reach a height of around two to eight feet and have lustrous green leaves.  Click here to find rhododendrons at an Illinois lawn and garden center near you.

Rhododendrons prefer shade or filtered sun and a well-protected location.  Prior to planting, soil should be well-amended with organic compost as rhododendrons prefer a porous soil.  Proper mulching is recommended.  For suggestions on proper selection and care of rhododendrons in your Illinois garden, visit The American Rhododendron Society (ARS) website.

Roseshell Azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum) is a deciduous rhododendron that is native to Illinois.  A hardy rhododendron selection, it blooms in April or May and features bright pink flowers with a mild clove scent.   It grows 4 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide.  This beautiful flowering shrub likes part shade and medium moisture.

An example of an evergreen rhododendron that will grow well in your Illinois garden is Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense).  This beautiful flowering shrub will grow from 6 to 12 feet high and 6 to 12 feet wide.   It has large clusters of flowers that bloom in late spring.  A variety of cultivars of this rhododendron are available, and the bloom colors vary.  This rhododendron prefers partial to full shade and moist, well drained soil.