Growing Rhododendrons on Whidbey Island

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Rhododendrons are ubiquitous in Pacific Northwest gardens—to the point where some would consider them a “boring” addition to the landscape. But the case for planting rhododendrons is strong: These evergreen shrubs are hardy and resistant to diseases and pests, with a long blooming period. They tolerate freezing temperatures better than most other broadleaf plants. They also thrive in part shade and moist and acidic soils, making them perfect candidates for the Pacific Northwest!

Rhodies are one of the most widely hybridized plants in the world, but the original species still exist. “Species Rhodies,” as they’re called, are found growing in nature across the Northern Hemisphere, with a high concentration in the Sino-Himalaya area (think Eastern China).

Although not widely available, these “Species Rhodies” are being cultivated and sold by a few growers in the Pacific Northwest, including Chimacum Woods in Port Ludlow, Washington. That’s where Venture Out Nursery sources their selection of Species Rhodies!

Rhodies arrived in Europe during the height of the Renaissance, during the age of exploration. The first collected Species Rhodies were brought to England in 1656, and the shrubs were soon incorporated into many European gardens. Rhododendrons were able to withstand the collection and delivery process better than other plants, due to their fibrous and relatively shallow root systems.

Optimal Rhododendron Growing Conditions

Sun: Sun and shade tolerance vary among varieties, but in general, rhodies prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.

Soil: Rhodies need acidic, loamy, well-drained, moist soils.

Deer: Rhododendrons are generally deer-resistant, although young plants should be protected from curious fawns.

Pruning: The canopy can be carefully cut back by up to 1/3. The best time for pruning is usually after the blooming period has just ended (summer to fall, depending on the species).

Fertilization: Rhodies will benefit from an all-purpose or slightly acidic fertilizer, like the “Azalea, Rhododendron, & Camellia” fertilizer by G&B, which is now in stock at Venture Out Nursery. Rhodies can be fertilized in the early spring as the shrubs are beginning to bud, to encourage blooms and new growth. 

Favorite Species Rhododendrons

Large Leaves

Rhododendron kesangiae: Rose pink flowers fade to pastels. Superb large leaves, and one of the most reliable and hardiest of all rhododendrons. Can grow into a large shrub or a small tree.

Rhododendron fictolacteum: White flowers with deep purple spots on throat. Leaves can grow up to 1 foot long with fuzzy orange undersides. Can grow 5 feet in 10 years.

Rhododendron rex: Glossy, large leathery leaves, pale white flowers with rosy tints, and dark purple spots. Can grow 6 feet in 10 years.

Unusual Flowers or Foliage

Rhododendron orbiculare: Soft pink, bell-shaped flowers. Wide, rounded leaves can resemble lily pads. Compact growth habit.

Rhododendron spinuliferum: Tubular blooms in red, soft orange, and white. Unusual twisting, airy growth habit means this shrub won’t have the tidy, rounded shape of many rhodies. Long, deeply veined leaves add interest. Can grow 8 feet with 10+ years.

Rhododendron wiltonii: Soft pink blooms blotched with darker rose tones. Leaves have prominent veins and cinnamon-colored undersides. Forms a rounded shrub 4‒5 feet high in 10 years.

Fragrant Flowers

Rhododendron auriculatum: A late-bloomer (July‒August) with white flowers that sometimes blush pink and are always deliciously fragrant. Hairy, narrow green leaves. Can grow 6 feet in 10 years.

Rhododendron decorum: Late-blooming white, fragrant blossoms. Can grow 10 feet in 10 years, larger with time.

Hummingbird Early Favorites

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Looking for plants that hummingbirds love? Anna’s hummingbirds, the only species to overwinter rather than migrate south, will especially appreciate these cold season bloomers. During the long months of January, February, and March, nectar is less abundant. But with spring in the air, this is the perfect time to plant your garden for next year’s winter hummingbird buffet!

Pulmonaria

Also called lungwort, this shade-loving perennial is blooming now in a variety of colors, from hot pink to violet blue. Pulmonaria is a rich source of nectar, providing food for bees and butterflies, as well as hummingbirds. The rough leaf texture deters the three most common garden pests on Whidbey Island: slugs, rabbits, and deer. Pulmonaria’s attractive spotted leaves are very resistant to powdery mildew, and it blooms well in part sun to deep shade.

‘Yuletide’ Camellia

Yuletide is one of the earliest blooming camellias. With bright red petals and a golden center, it’s no wonder these flowers attract hummingbirds. This glossy-leafed evergreen shrub blooms well even in part shade.

Mahonia x media ‘Charity’

This winter-blooming shrub has already flowered for the season, but the vivid yellow, fragrant flowers provided food for overwintering hummingbirds in December and January. Mahonia is also deer and rabbit resistant, and tolerant of both sun and shade.

Hellebore

With a variety of flower colors and leaf textures, the selection of hellebores seems endless. These perennials bloom from January to March, are shade tolerant, and are both deer and rabbit resistant.

Flowering Currant

A native flowering shrub that bursts into bloom in March, just in time to feed the returning migratory hummingbirds. Even with the recent cold weather, we saw some flowering currants blooming last week!

Bleeding Heart

These nodding pink blooms appear in early spring, attracting hungry hummingbirds. Bleeding heart prefers moist soil and part shade.

Other Hummingbird Attractors

Water Sources

Hummingbirds need access to shallow pools of water for drinking and bathing. Shallow bird baths (we’ve got some beauties!) or garden misters are recommended.

Hiding Places

These tiny birds need a place to rest, out of view of predators. Tall shrubs offer the perfect respite.

Healthy, Organic Gardens

Did you know hummingbirds also eat insects? It turns out they can’t survive on sugar alone! Hummingbirds need to consume small insects and spiders for protein, so cultivating an organic garden free of chemical pesticides will provide them with a balanced diet.

Undisturbed Nests

Be careful when pruning or removing trees in your landscape: there might be a hummingbird (or other bird species) nest up there! Hummingbirds lay eggs the size of jelly beans in late winter/early spring, and hatchlings remain in the nest 3 weeks after they emerge. By May or June, the hatchlings should fly away and a nesting tree can be removed.