How to Grow Pink Rhododendron - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Pink rhododendron is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to Asia. It has large, showy flowers that range in color from white to deep pink. Rhododendrons are popular ornamental plants, and pink rhododendron is one of the most popular colors. The plant is easy to care for and does not require much maintenance. Pink rhododendron is a great choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance plant.

How to Grow Pink Rhododendron - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Mountain Laurel
  • Catawba Rhododendron
  • Rosebay Rhododendron
  • Great Laurel
  • Smooth Azalea

Good to Know

  • Rhododendron is a genus that contains over 1,000 different species.
  • The flowers of rhododendrons can be pink, red, white, or purple.
  • Rhododendrons are native to Asia, Europe, and North America.
  • The leaves of rhododendrons are often large and evergreen.
  • Rhododendrons can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 30 feet.
  • Rhododendrons prefer to grow in cool, damp conditions.
  • The flowers of rhododendrons are typically quite showy and beautiful.
  • Rhododendrons are sometimes known as "rosebay" or "mountain laurel".
  • Rhododendrons are a popular choice for landscaping and gardens.
  • Rhododendrons can be poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.

Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Pink Delight

Planting Process

  1. For pink rhododendron, first step is to find or purchase a plant that is already blooming. This will help ensure that you get a plant that is the correct variety.
  2. Rhododendrons need a lot of sun to bloom well, so choose a planting location that gets at least six hours of sun per day.
  3. Rhododendrons like acidic soil, so if your soil is not naturally acidic, you will need to amend it. You can do this by adding peat moss or compost to the hole before planting.
  4. When you are ready to plant, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
  5. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots around the edges of the root ball.
  6. Place the plant in the hole and fill in around it with the amended soil. Tamp down gently to remove any air pockets.
  7. Water well to settle the soil and help the roots establish.
  8. Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  9. Pink rhododendrons need regular watering, especially when they are blooming. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently if the soil is dry.
  10. Fertilize your pink rhododendron in early spring with an acid-loving fertilizer. Follow the directions on the package for best results.

Related plant:
Pink Flower Bush

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, pink rhododendron like well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. They are generally tolerant of different types of soil, but prefer slightly acidic soil. You can improve heavy clay soil by adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss.

Light requirement

So, like the other rhododendrons, pink rhododendrons require plenty of sun in order to flourish. They should be planted in an area that receives full sun for at least six hours each day. Pink rhododendrons will also do well in partial sun, as long as they receive at least four hours of direct sunlight each day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the pink rhododendron is warm. The pink rhododendron prefers a temperature that is warm and not too hot. The pink rhododendron can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it prefers a warm temperature. The pink rhododendron will bloom best in a warm temperature.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%, anything more than that and the leaves will start todroop and the flowers will start to fall off. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will dry out and the plant will eventually die.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a light application of a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care not to get any on the leaves. Doing this in early spring, before the plant begins to grow, will give it a good start for the season. As for the roots, rhododendrons have shallow, fibrous roots that spread out wide from the plant. They do not do well if the roots are disturbed, so it's best to plant them in an area where they won't need to be moved.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your pink rhododendron healthy and blooming. To encourage new growth, prune in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Also, cut back any branches that are rubbing together or crossing.

About Propagating

Propagation of rhododendrons is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft, and they should be about 6 inches long. The bottom 2 inches of the cutting should be placed in a rooting medium, such as perlite or vermiculite, and the top 4 inches should be left exposed. After the cutting has been placed in the rooting medium, it should be watered well and placed in a location with indirect light. The cutting should be checked periodically to make sure that the rooting medium is still moist. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a pot or garden bed.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate between 2 and 3 feet per year. However, under the right conditions, some plants may grow up to 5 feet in a year. The amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients available to the plant will all affect its growth rate.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are listed below. 1. Lack of Water: The pink rhododendron requires a lot of water, so make sure to water it regularly. 2. Overwatering: too much water can cause the roots to rot, so be sure to not overwater the plant. 3. Fertilizer: A lack of fertilizer can cause the pink rhododendron to become yellow and stunted. Be sure to use a good fertilizer when needed. 4. Soil: The pink rhododendron prefers a slightly acidic soil. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant may become yellow and stunted. 5. Pests: The pink rhododendron is susceptible to pests such as aphids, scale, and mealybugs. Be sure to check the plant regularly for any signs of pests and treat accordingly.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your pink rhododendron plant regularly. Keep the soil moist, but never soggy.
  • Place your pink rhododendron in an area that receives partial to full sun.
  • Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season.
  • To encourage growth, pinch back the tips of the stems.
  • When the plant becomes too large for its pot, replant it in a larger container.
  • To prevent leggy growth, provide support for the stems.
  • Cut back the plant after it blooms to encourage new growth.
  • Propagate pink rhododendron by taking stem cuttings in early summer.
  • Overwinter pink rhododendron plants indoors in a cool, bright location.
  • Protect the plant from cold winds and frost.

Alternative Plants

  • Rhododendron canescens, mountain rosebay: upright evergreen shrub of southeastern United States having white to pink or rose-white flowers
  • Rhododendron arboreum, tree rhododendron: very tall rhododendron having numerous large white to pink flowers in dense masses; India and Sri Lanka
  • Rhododendron simsii, Indian rhododendron: Indian rhododendron having white to pink flowers and large dark green leaves
  • Rhododendron macrophyllum, great-leaved rhododendron: shrub or small tree having showy white to pink flowers in large clusters; western North America
  • Rhododendron maximum, rosebay: tall American rhododendron having solitary white to pink flowers; found from Newfoundland to Minnesota and into southern Ontario
  • Rhododendron vaseyi, pink rhod

Source:
AGLO RHODODENDRON - RHODODENDRON 'AGLO' | The …
Rhododendron - Ohio State University
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Search Results

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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