Rhododendron Nova Zembla

Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Nova Zembla’

Common Name: Nova Zembla Rhododendron

Mature Height and Width: 5–8' tall × 5–8' wide

Growth Habit: Broad, upright, dense evergreen shrub with a rounded to slightly vase-shaped form. Strong branching structure with layered canopy development. Moderate growth rate.

Foliage Description: Large, leathery, elliptic dark green leaves with a glossy surface. Foliage remains evergreen in Zones 5–7 and maintains a bold, coarse texture year-round.

Flower Description: Large, dome-shaped trusses of deep red flowers with a subtle darker blotch on upper petals. Each truss contains numerous individual blooms, creating a dramatic spring display.

Bloom Time: Mid to late spring

Fall Color: Evergreen; no fall color change, foliage may take on subtle winter bronzing in exposed sites.

Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun (with adequate moisture); best performance in morning sun and afternoon shade.

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 4–8

Notable Landscape Uses:
Foundation plantings; woodland-edge gardens; specimen shrub in partially shaded beds; mass plantings; mixed evergreen borders; focal plant in larger residential landscapes; screening in filtered light conditions.

Deer Resistance: Low to Moderate
Rhododendrons are frequently browsed by deer, particularly flower buds and tender new growth. Protection is recommended in moderate to heavy deer pressure areas in Zones 5–7.