Marylou Rhododendron

Rhododendron ‘Marylou’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 7a-8b (East) | 6a-9b (West; cool-summer climate) Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Shrub

Height at Maturity: 2-3′

Width at Maturity: 3-4′

Spacing: 3′ for solid hedges; 6′ for space between plants

Flower Color: Soft Yellow, Creamy White, Soft Pink with Dark Red blotch

Flower Size: 2-2.5″ in rounded 3-5″ clusters

Flowering Period: Late Spring

Flower Type: Single, in clusters

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Sun Needs: Shade or Mostly Shade, Dappled Shade, Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade, All Day Filtered Sun

Water Needs: Average

Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.0 (Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Heat, Humidity, Insect, Shade

Description

An exceptionally beautiful and floriferous evergreen Rhododendron that deserves a spot in every garden where it will grow, ‘Marylou’ features abundant ball-shaped trusses of multicolor flowers in gorgeous antique hues. Peach color buds open to soft peachy-pink flowers that quickly transition to shades of creamy white, soft yellow and soft pink, all on the same flower at the same time topped off with a contrasting blotch of paprika-red freckles on the dorsal lobe. Truly breathtaking! The flowers stand out remarkably well against the thick deep green leaves on a compact mound that might reach 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide when all grown up. A perfect fit for smaller garden spaces and containers or in groupings in larger spaces.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, the Marylou Rhododendron is ideal for use as a specimen in smaller garden spaces and containers or in groupings or as a natural hedge in partially shaded landscape and woodland borders. A fine accent or grouping in home foundation plantings as well. Rhododendrons do especially well on fertile embankments, hillsides and slopes. A fine addition rhododendron and azalea gardens, Asian or Zen gardens, and woodland gardens.

Suggested Spacing: 3 feet apart for solid hedges; 6 feet or more apart for space between plants

Growing Preferences

When it comes to success growing Rhododendrons, a little good advice goes a long way. When planted right and in the right spot, Rhododendrons are very easy to grow and care for.

Rhododendrons thrive in a moist but well-drained acidic soil that is rich in organic matter and part shade; preferable morning sun with afternoon shade or heavily filtered sun. All day dappled shade is fine as well. Keep in mind that whether growing in the ground or in containers, constantly soggy or wet soil is problematic for Rhododendrons, and most other plants for that matter. Some soils, such as heavy clay, quick-draining sand, or otherwise poor soils, might need to be amended to provide sufficient nutrients, better soil drainage, and/or moisture retention. In containers, select a pot with a drainage hole(s) and use a 50/50 blend of professional potting mix and potting soil. Avoid using any native soil in pots. Feed Rhododendrons after they bloom with an acid-loving formula such as an Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Food.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Rhododendrons.

How To Plant A Rhododendron

How To Fertilize & Water A Rhododendron

How To Prune A Rhododendron

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