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red rhododendron

If you’re searching for the dazzling impact of a red rhododendron in your garden landscape, you’re in the right place. Red rhododendrons are celebrated for their vibrant blooms, lush evergreen foliage, and their ability to bring drama and colour to shaded spaces. With their stunning scarlet flowers, these shrubs make an unforgettable statement in borders, woodland gardens, and even containers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your horticultural journey, red rhododendrons are a striking choice that thrive in New Zealand’s temperate climate.

Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' specimen tree with masses of pink flowers in late winter.

Cornus Cherokee Chief

Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' is a small, deciduous tree grown for its impressive flowering and attractive form. Masses of rose-red flowers are borne in spring just as the new foliage begins to emerge.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 7.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
Buddleia 'Royal Red' dark pink flowers and grey-green foliage.

Buddleia 'Royal Red'

Buddleia ‘Royal Red’ is a bold deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich red crimson flower spikes and sweet summer fragrance. Flowering over an extended period, it brings strong colour and movement to NZ gardens while attracting butterflies and beneficial insects. This vigorous and reliable variety performs well across a wide range of climates.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.80 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
callistemon-red-alert-4
Callistemon 'Red Alert'

Callistemon 'Red Alert' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its brilliant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer. The vivid...

From$27.53
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Crimson Red’ is a striking crepe myrtle renowned for its deep crimson summer flowers and attractive upright tree form. Flowering...

From$30.29
Phormium 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.
Phormium 'Rainbow Red'

Phormium 'Rainbow Red' is a vibrant New Zealand native flax admired for its bold, arching leaves in shades of bronze, red, and pink. This striking...

From$249.95
echeveria-set-oliver--1
Echeveria Set-Oliver (Echeveria Set Oliver)

Echeveria Set Oliver is a succulent that forms a rosette of furry green leaves edged with red. As conditions cool or the plant becomes moisture...

From$19.50
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

From$11.50
azalea-red-wings-
Azalea 'Red Wings'

Azalea 'Red Wings' is a striking evergreen azalea admired for its vivid red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The vibrant blooms sit...

From$15.95
Rhododendron 'Kaponga' red flowers.
Rhododendron 'Kaponga'

Rhododendron 'Kaponga' is a beautiful evergreen shrub prized for its impressive spring flowering display and lush dark green foliage. The vibrant...

From$28.91
Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.
Clivia miniata 'Red'

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The...

From$20.01
leptospermum-red-falls--3
Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of vibrant red flowers through spring and...

From$27.53
Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.
Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

From$349.95
Escallonia 'Red Knight' growing as a border around the base of a tree.
Escallonia 'Red Knight'

Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a vibrant evergreen shrub prized for its masses of rich red flowers and dense glossy foliage. This hardy variety produces...

From$16.95
Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

Salvia 'Riverton Red' is a striking perennial prized for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom reliably from spring through autumn. This hardy, sun...

From$27.53
Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

From$17.95
camellia-roma-red-
Camellia Roma Red

Camellia 'Roma Red' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its rich red blooms and glossy green foliage. It delivers bold winter to spring colour in...

From$34.95
acer-red-sunset-2
Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

From$399.95
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' is a compact, spreading bottlebrush known for its vibrant red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. This variety...

From$27.53
grevillea-red-clusters-4
Grevillea 'Red Clusters'

Grevillea 'Red Clusters' is a vibrant evergreen shrub that produces masses of rich red flower clusters throughout the year. Its fine foliage and...

From$24.95
A Loropetalum 'Red Temple' plant with dark purple-red foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

Loropetalum 'Red Temple' produces mildly fragrant, pink-red flowers through winter, which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage on this bushy...

From$28.91
Callistemon citrinus 'Red Cluster' small tree with masses of red, pendulous flowers.
Callistemon 'Red Cluster' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Red Cluster' is a striking bottlebrush variety valued for its clusters of vivid red flower spikes and dense evergreen foliage. Flowering...

From$37.19
A stunning Albizia julibrissin 'Red Silk' tree with masses of red flowers.
Albizia 'Red Silk'

Albizia 'Red Silk' is a variety of the commonly known Silk Tree, and is grown for its delicate foliage and showy flowers. The fern-like foliage is...

From$344.95
gazania-new-day-red-stripe--1
Gazania 'New Day Red Stripe'

Gazania 'New Day Red Stripe' is a colourful perennial valued for its distinctive striped flowers, compact habit, and long flowering performance. The...

From$20.63
rhododendron-black-magic--1
Rhododendron 'Black Magic'

Rhododendron 'Black Magic' is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its rich, dramatic flowers and glossy dark green foliage. During spring, the...

From$28.91
Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

From$18.95
acer-rubrum-1
Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum (Red Maple) is a magnificent deciduous tree renowned for its outstanding autumn colour and graceful growth habit. The fresh green foliage...

From$349.95
salvia-red-2
Salvia 'Red'

Salvia 'Red' (Red Sage) is a vibrant perennial that produces brilliant red flower spikes above aromatic green foliage from late spring until autumn...

From$27.53
Rhubarb 'Ruby Red' red stems.
Rhubarb 'Ruby Red'

Rhubarb 'Ruby Red' is a popular heritage rhubarb variety prized for its vibrant red stalks and excellent flavour. This productive perennial performs...

From$17.95
Alnus rubra (Red Alder) specimen tree.
Alnus rubra

Alnus rubra (Red Alder) is a strong growing deciduous tree valued for its upright form and ability to thrive in a wide range of New Zealand...

From$259.75
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.
Pseudowintera Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf...

From$27.53
camellia-japonica-red-red-rose-3
Camellia 'Red Red Rose'

Camellia 'Red Red Rose' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its rich red blooms that bring bold colour and elegance to New Zealand gardens...

From$32.95
rhododendron-mount-everest-
Rhododendron 'Mt Everest'

Rhododendron 'Mt Everest' is a magnificent evergreen shrub admired for its impressive flowering display and lush dark green foliage. During spring...

From$64.79
Cornus Cherokee Chief

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Azalea, Buddleia, and Callistemon, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, and Perennials.

Search red rhododendron

Why Choose a Red Rhododendron?

The red rhododendron is prized for its bold, show-stopping flowers. Each spring, it bursts forth with clusters of deep crimson blooms, instantly transforming any garden. These shade-loving shrubs are perfect for brightening up spots where other plants might struggle. Their evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, making them a valuable addition for gardeners seeking both colour and texture.

Many varieties also offer unique flower shapes and subtle differences in hue. For those wanting a truly exceptional red display, Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain is renowned for its vivid colour and reliable flowering. Other options, like Rhododendron Rubicon, feature even deeper red tones and are equally suited to New Zealand conditions.

Planting and Care Tips

Red rhododendrons flourish in well-drained, humus-rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Choose a spot with dappled shade—morning sunlight and protection from the harsh afternoon rays will keep the blooms vibrant and the leaves healthy. Mulching is highly recommended to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Avoid lime, as rhododendrons prefer acidic conditions.

Regular watering, especially during dry spells, ensures lush growth and abundant flowers. Prune lightly after flowering to remove spent blooms and maintain shape, but avoid heavy pruning, as rhododendrons bloom on old wood.

Outstanding Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

If your goal is to find the best red rhododendron for your garden, here are some superb options:

Bring Bold Colour to Your Landscape

The red rhododendron is ideal for creating focal points and adding year-round interest to New Zealand gardens. Combine with companion plants such as azaleas and leucothoe for layered texture and colour. With just a little care, your red rhododendron will thrive, rewarding you with unforgettable blooms season after season. Explore the varieties above and transform your garden with elegant red shades.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Griselinia 'Canterbury' and Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) are beloved staples, but Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen', Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls', and Helleborus 'Apricot Hybrid' (Hellebore) bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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