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red rhododendron nz

Searching for the perfect red rhododendron in NZ? The striking beauty and bold colour of red rhododendrons make them an unforgettable feature in any New Zealand garden. These stunning shrubs offer not only dramatic blooms in vivid shades but also hardy, evergreen foliage that looks great year-round. Whether you want to create a show-stopping border, brighten up a shady spot, or add colour to your collection, red rhododendrons are an excellent choice for Kiwi gardens.

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
leucothoe-curly-red-2

Leucothoe 'Curly Red'

Leucothoe 'Curly Red' is a striking evergreen shrub grown for its uniquely twisted foliage that emerges rich red before maturing to glossy green. During cooler months the foliage develops deep burgundy tones, providing year round interest in New Zealand gardens. Its compact habit makes it ideal for borders, woodland gardens, and containers.

From $26.15

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
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...

From$27.53
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
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
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
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
clianthus-kaka-king-
Clianthus Kaka King (Kaka King Clianthus)

Clianthus Kaka King, commonly known as The Red Kaka Beak, is a NZ native shrub that produces a flush of stunning, beak like flowers in summer. The...

From$116.12
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 '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
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
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
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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
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
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
Pseudowintera 'Red Leopard' red and green spotted foliage.
Pseudowintera 'Red Leopard'

Pseudowintera 'Red Leopard' is a NZ native shrub that features striking foliage. The leaves are gold-green with dominant, deep red leopard spots. It...

From$136.04
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
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
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
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
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 Deciduous Shrubs.

Search red rhododendron nz

Why Choose Red Rhododendron in NZ Gardens?

Red rhododendrons are prized for their intense, eye-catching flowers that range from deep crimson to bright scarlet. They thrive in New Zealand’s mild, moist climates, making them well-suited for regions from Auckland to the South Island. These shrubs prefer dappled shade and sheltered positions with well-draining, acidic soil. With proper care, red rhododendrons will reward you each spring with an explosion of colour, attracting pollinators and lifting the look of your landscape.

Top Red Rhododendrons for New Zealand

If you’re keen to add a red rhododendron to your garden, you’ll find several outstanding varieties available. The Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain is a popular choice, known for its vibrant red flowers and compact growth – perfect for smaller gardens or container planting. For those seeking a classic, deep red flower, Rhododendron Rubicon delivers true richness in colour, with showy clusters ideal for creating a focal point.

Other great options to consider include the subtropical Rhododendron Vireya Coral Flare, which boasts fiery red-orange tones and thrives in frost-free areas. If you’re after a companion shrub with similar tones, the striking Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red' brings smaller, vivid scarlet blooms to your planting scheme. For those wishing to combine textures, the Buddleia 'Royal Red' adds long spikes of magenta-red to complement your rhododendron collection.

Planting and Caring for Red Rhododendrons

To get the best results from your red rhododendron in NZ, start by preparing the soil. Rhododendrons love acidic conditions, so mix plenty of organic matter (such as leaf mould or composted pine bark) into your planting hole. Keep the root ball just at or slightly above soil level, water thoroughly, and finish with a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.

These stunning shrubs prefer filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade. Regular watering during dry spells is important, especially during flowering and establishment. Feed annually in late winter or early spring with a slow-release, acid-loving fertiliser. Prune only to remove spent flowers or dead wood, as rhododendrons naturally form a pleasing shape.

Shop Stunning Red Rhododendrons in NZ

Bring your planting plans to life with the unique beauty of red rhododendrons in NZ. Explore our range, including Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain, Rhododendron Rubicon, Rhododendron Vireya Coral Flare, or try bold companions like Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red' and Buddleia 'Royal Red'. With the right selection and care, you’ll enjoy vibrant colour and lush growth for many seasons to come.

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.
Love Rhododendron 'Black Magic' and Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)? Then you’ll adore the quiet charm of Corokia 'Geentys Ghost', Abelia 'Francis Mason', and Haworthia fasciata.
–The Plant Company

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