SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron x 'September Song' (H-3)

COMMON NAME: September Song Rhododendron

GARDEN SIZE: 4 to 5 ft. tall, spreading wider

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 6-8

EXPOSURE: Full to Partial Shade.

WATER & SOIL: Keep soil moist but well-drained (no wet feet); prefers humus-rich, acidic soil. Avoid heavy clay.

HABIT (FORM): Compact, spreading

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; green foliage

FLOWERS: Showy, unique blooms in shades of pink, yellow, and orange, in an open, loose truss; blooms in spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Hybrid

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

FERTILIZING: Apply a fertilizer for acid-loving plants in the early spring.

PRUNING: Remove spent flower clusters immediately after the blooms finish. Pruning is not usually needed or recommended, but may be done right after blooming is finished in late spring or early summer.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

USES: Hedge, Foundation planting, Specimen