Rhododendron Bessie Howell

Bessie Howell Rhododendron

Besse Howells (Rhododendron ‘Besse Howells’) is an evergreen rhododendron with red flowers. Its display arrives in the early-to-middle part of the rhododendron flowering season, with the exact timing influenced by local weather. Individual flowers measure about 2½ inches across. The flower tubes widen into flared faces that display the color clearly. Wavy petal edges give the clusters additional texture. Contrasting red markings add detail within the flower faces.

The plant develops compact branching. Its foliage is retained through winter, keeping a leafy framework between flowering seasons. It can provide a flowering focal point within a mixed shrub border or woodland-edge planting.

Give it acidic, humus-rich soil that stays moist and drains freely. A sheltered position with filtered light or morning sun is a useful starting point; protect the roots from prolonged drying and keep mulch clear of the stems.

Size guide
• Height: About 3 ft at 10 years; growth continues afterward
• Width: Allow for the cultivar’s natural branch spread; a verified numerical spread is not available in this reference.

Hardiness
• Approximate cold tolerance: -20°F
• USDA cold-limit equivalent: Zone 5a
This equivalence is calculated from the published temperature rating. Local conditions and summer climate also affect performance.

Best Uses
• Border
• Woodland Gardens
• Accent Plant

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Evergreen Shrub, Flowering evergreen shrub

Height

3 ft+

Width

3'

Hardiness zones

5a–8

Sunlight

Part shade

Bloom time

Spring to summer

Flower color

Red

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Woodland Gardens

Shape

Compact

Fruit

No

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

3 ft