Milky Way Rhododendron – 1 Gallon Pot

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Flowering Period: Mid to Late Spring

Flower Type: Single, in rounded clusters

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Attracts: Butterflies, Visual Attention

Resistances: Cold Temperatures (-40F), Consistently Moist Soil, Insect

 A charming but little known Lepidote Rhododendron with cold hardiness down to -40F, ‘Milky Way’ is a superior Rhododendron diversipilosum clone that was aptly named for its abundant round trusses packed with what appears to be a “million” star-shaped pure-white flowers in mid to late spring. Both the flowers and the yellow buds they open from contrast beautifully with the  fine textured dark olive-green foliage that is smaller and more narrow that other evergreen rhododendrons. It will grow in full sun to part shade and thrives in a consistently moist but well drained soil. At 3 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, Milky Way is a good fit as a specimen in smaller garden spaces or in groupings where space will allow. 

Growing to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide, the Milky Way Rhododendron is ideal for use as a specimen in smaller garden spaces or in groupings or as a low hedge where space will allow. Excellent along streams and creeks or around the garden pond. It is a fine addition to Rhododendron and Azalea gardens, white gardens, Japanese and Asian Gardens, Zen gardens and cottage gardens.

Suggested Spacing:  3 to 3.5 feet apart for solid hedges;  8 feet or more apart for space between plants

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. In cool-summer climates many species and varieties will grow in full sun. 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.