Rhododendron ‘Roseum Maximum’
Overview
Uses: Woodland gardens, large foundation plantings, informal screens, and shade gardens.
Benefits: A tough, old-fashioned rhododendron that blooms late, carrying rosy lilac-pink trusses after most rhododendrons have finished. Grows into a large, dense evergreen shrub that makes a good informal screen in part shade.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Sun: Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Upright, Rounded — large and dense.
Bloom Color: Rosy Lilac-Pink
Foliage Color: Dark Green
Mature Height: 6–10 feet
Mature Width: 6–8 feet
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Big rosy-pink trusses that arrive just as the other rhododendrons fade.
Roseum Maximum is an old-fashioned, large-growing rhododendron with a useful sense of timing. Its rounded clusters of rosy lilac-pink flowers open from late spring into early summer, after most rhododendrons and azaleas have finished, extending the flowering season in a shade garden by several weeks.
Over time it grows into a substantial evergreen shrub, roughly six to ten feet tall and six to eight feet wide, with large, dark green leaves that stay on all year. That size and density make it a natural choice for screening under tall trees, filling the back of a woodland border, or softening the corner of a large house.
It is at its best in partial shade, the dappled light under oaks and pines, or on the north or east side of a building, where many flowering shrubs bloom poorly.
Care
Roseum Maximum Rhododendron Care
Plant in partial shade. Dappled light or morning sun with afternoon shade gives the best flowering without leaf scorch. Shelter from strong winter wind helps protect the evergreen leaves.
Rhododendrons need acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, ideally around pH 4.5 to 6. Work in compost or composted pine bark when planting, and set the root ball slightly above the surrounding grade, since the roots rot in soggy or compacted ground.
Water deeply once or twice a week through the first growing season while roots establish, and during dry spells after that. The roots are shallow, so a two-to-three-inch layer of pine bark or shredded leaf mulch helps keep them cool and moist. Water well in late fall before the ground freezes.
Feed lightly in early spring with a slow release fertilizer made for acid-loving plants.
Prune only if needed, right after flowering, since next year’s buds form over the summer. Snapping off the faded flower trusses is optional but tidies the plant; take care not to damage the new shoots just below them.
Size
What Size is the Roseum Maximum Rhododendron for Sale Online?
Our Roseum Maximum Rhododendron ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. Plants may arrive with flower buds already set for the next season. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Roseum Maximum Rhododendron Grow?
Expect about 6 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide at maturity, in an upright, rounded shape. Space plants about 6 feet apart for an informal screen.
Additional Information
When does it bloom?
It flowers from late spring into early summer, later than most rhododendrons. Planted alongside earlier varieties, it stretches the rhododendron season in your garden by several weeks.
Can I use it as a privacy screen?
Yes. Given room and time, it grows into a dense evergreen mass 6 to 10 feet tall that blocks views year-round in partial shade, where many screening plants thin out. Plant about 6 feet apart for a continuous screen. For more screening options, see our Privacy Trees & Shrubs.
Why are my rhododendron leaves curling in winter?
Rhododendron leaves curl and droop in cold weather to reduce moisture loss. This is normal, and they unroll when temperatures rise. Watering well in late fall and siting the plant out of strong winter wind helps reduce winter browning. For more plants that hold their leaves year-round, see our Evergreen Plants.
Do deer eat rhododendrons?
Deer do browse rhododendrons, especially in winter when other food is scarce. In areas with heavy deer pressure, protect plants with netting or repellent. If deer are a constant problem, consider our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens instead.
