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red rhododendron tree

The red rhododendron tree is one of the most striking additions you can make to any New Zealand garden. Renowned for its bold foliage and clusters of vividly coloured blooms, the red rhododendron tree stands as a true statement piece in both residential and larger landscape gardens. Whether planted alone or combined with other flowering shrubs, its lush green leaves and brilliant red flowers create a show-stopping effect from mid to late spring. If you're searching for ways to introduce long-lasting colour and evergreen structure, a red rhododendron tree is the perfect choice.

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Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Red Mountain’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its striking red flowers and glossy evergreen foliage, it adds exotic colour and texture to New Zealand gardens. Purchase nursery-grown, healthy Rhododendron Vireya ‘Red Mountain’ plants with fast nationwide delivery from The Plant Company.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
leucothoe-curly-red-2

Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red

Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red, commonly known as Dog Hobble, is a beautiful shrub which is grown of its colourful and curly foliage. New foliage is red and ages to a dark green with red-purple undertones, resulting in a multi-coloured plant. The foliage is complemented with clusters of showy, white flowers in spring as it grows to 50 cm tall and 70 cm wide. Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red is commonly included in mixed plantings or borders, maintained in a container, planted around outdoor living areas such as pools, or used anywhere vibrant colour is desired.

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
rhododendron-coral-flare-

Rhododendron Vireya Coral Flare

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Coral Flare’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its vibrant...

From$28.28
rhododendron-rubicon-

Rhododendron Rubicon

Rhododendron ‘Rubicon’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a rounded growth habit. Known for its bright pink flowers and dense...

From$36.38
azalea-mrs-kint-red-

Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red'

Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red' is a vibrant evergreen azalea admired for its rich red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The bold blooms sit...

From$36.38
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Magnolia Red As Red (Red As Red Magnolia)

Magnolia Red as Red bears masses of large and showy, dark red flowers through late winter and early spring. The flowers are borne on the naked stems...

From$432.79
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...

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Grevillea Red Clusters (Red Clusters Grevillea)

Grevillea Red Clusters is a fast-growing shrub renowned for its striking flowers and great foliage. Showy clusters of red, spider-like flowers are...

From$28.28
Acer Autumn Red tree.

Acer Autumn Red (Acer rubrum Autumn Red)

Acer platanoides Autumn Red is a variety of the commonly known Plane-Laved Maple, and is a medium sized, deciduous tree with fantastically coloured...

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Photinia Super Red (Red Robin)

Landscaping uses for Sophora 'Goldies Mantle'

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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$29.63
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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...

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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...

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Acer Red Sunset

Acer rubrum Red Sunset is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that features fantastic autumn colours. The lush foliage emerges mid-green in spring...

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Escallonia 'Red Elf' red flowers and glossy, green foliage.

Escallonia 'Red Elf'

Escallonia 'Red Elf' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, green foliage and vibrant, red, bell-shaped flowers that bloom from late...

From$24.23
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' red flowers amidst dark purple foliage.

Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

From$358.98
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$13.43
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Persicaria Red Dragon

The Persicaria Red Dragon plant, commonly known as Knotweed, is a small shrub grown for its beautiful foliage. It carries elongated leaves that are...

From$24.23
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Pelargonium Two in One Dark Red (Red Pelargonium)

Pelargonium Two In One Dark Red is a variety of Geranium grown for its clusters of dark red flowers. The showy flowers are borne through spring and...

From$21.53
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
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Rhododendron Mt Everest

Rhododendron ‘Mt Everest’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a neat, rounded growth habit. Known for its vibrant pink flowers and...

From$36.38
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$25.58
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Rhododendron Kings Cerise

Rhododendron ‘King’s Cerise’ is a striking shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with bright pink flowers and dense evergreen foliage. This hardy...

From$36.38
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Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
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$306.09
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
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Camellia Red Red Rose

Camellia Red Red Rose produces beautiful, double, bright red flowers. These spectacular blooms appear from winter through spring and blend nicely...

From$37.73
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Rhododendron Scented Sun

Rhododendron ‘Scented Sun’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.2 metres tall with a neat, rounded growth habit. Known for its fragrant yellow flowers...

From$36.38
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Rhododendron Vireya Tropic Glow

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Tropic Glow’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its vivid orange...

From$28.28
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Rhododendron Vireya Golden Charm

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Golden Charm’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its bright...

From$36.38
Rhododendron 'Haloed Gold' yellow flowers tinged with orange above lush, dark green foliage.

Rhododendron Vireya 'Haloed Gold'

Vireya Rhododendron ‘Haloed Gold’ is an eye catching evergreen shrub valued for its golden yellow flowers often softly haloed with deeper tones and...

From$28.28
Rhododendron 'Simbu Sunset' orange flowers.

Rhododendron Vireya Simbu Sunset

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Simbu Sunset’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its vivid orange...

From$28.28
Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Albizia, Azalea, Buddleia, Camellia, Carex, Chiranthodendron, Dacrydium, Escallonia, Grevillea, Lagerstroemia, Leucothoe, Magnolia, Pelargonium, Persicaria, Photinia Rhododendron and Sorbus, or related Categories - Grasses, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs, Vireya Rhododendon, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search red rhododendron tree

What Makes the Red Rhododendron Tree Special?

Red rhododendron trees are loved for more than their fiery blooms. These hardy shrubs or small trees are evergreens, meaning they grace your garden with foliage all year round. The flowers themselves burst into dramatic reds—ranging from velvety crimson to scarlet—attracting pollinators and providing a feast for the eyes. If you’re looking for a specific cultivar, the Rhododendron Rubicon is renowned for its deep red flowers and compact growth habit, making it ideal for smaller spaces or container planting.

How to Grow a Red Rhododendron Tree in New Zealand

Planting a red rhododendron tree in New Zealand is wonderfully rewarding with the right preparation. These trees thrive best in semi-shaded spots with dappled sunlight—full sun can scorch their foliage. They love acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Applying mulch around the root zone helps maintain soil moisture and protects shallow roots.

Regular watering during dry spells and a slow-release camellia or rhododendron fertiliser in early spring will keep your red rhododendron tree healthy and full of flowers. Pruning is typically minimal, just removing dead wood or spent blooms after flowering.

If you’re passionate about extending your collection of reds, consider pairing your rhododendron with other beautiful varieties like Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain, which also offers spectacular red colouring with a tropical flair.

Red Rhododendron Tree Companions and Landscaping Ideas

The vibrant flowers of the red rhododendron tree mix beautifully with other acid-loving shrubs and perennials. For contrast and year-round interest, try underplanting with the textured foliage of Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red. Other flowering shrubs, such as Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red' and Rhododendron Vireya Coral Flare, can extend your red colour palette, ensuring brilliant blooms throughout the seasons.

Why Choose a Red Rhododendron Tree?

Not only does the red rhododendron tree offer vibrant seasonal colour, but it also provides lush evergreen structure in your landscape. Its reliability, minimal maintenance needs, and adaptability to New Zealand's climates make it a favourite among Kiwi gardeners. Whether you’re planting a single specimen or crafting a layered shrub border, the red rhododendron tree will reward you with years of dazzling colour and garden value.

Ready to transform your garden? Explore our wide selection of striking rhododendrons, including Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain and Rhododendron Rubicon, to find the perfect red for your landscape.


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.

Think you know our range? Rhododendron Scented Sun and Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) are just the beginning — check out Gaura Emmeline White, Phormium 'Veneer', and Cordyline Broadsword.
–The Plant Company

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