Rhododendron, Minnetonka Rhododendron 'Minnetonka' Height: 4 feet Spread: 4 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 4b Description: Large, glossy evergreen leaves on an upright shrub; amazing clusters of lavender-pink flowers in late spring; prefers well-drained, cool, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of soil amendment when planting Ornamental Features Rhododendron, Minnetonka is blanketed in stunning clusters of lavender trumpet-shaped flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to early summer. It has attractive green evergreen foliage. The oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain green throughout the winter. Landscape Attributes Rhododendron, Minnetonka is an open multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It has no significant negative characteristics. Rhododendron, Minnetonka is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Rhododendron, Minnetonka will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This shrub does best in partial shade to shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. Special Attributes Evergreens need to be watered during the winter. Our desert climate especially in late winter to early spring evergreens can suffer during next growing season. An easy way to remember check for dryness on the holidays Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Valentines Day & Easter.
