NZ's Leading Rhododendron Specialist

Nurturing Beautiful Rhododendrons for Your Garden

Hi, I’m Lisa, and Rhododendrons are my passion. At RhodoDirect, our West Melton nursery is open to the public, offering the chance to explore our beautiful display garden and shop a wide variety of rhododendrons and azaleas. For over 20 years, we’ve been proudly supplying gardeners across New Zealand with top-quality plants to brighten their gardens.

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October's Top Picks

Rhododendron rhododendron rhododendron rhodo.
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Rhododendron Melrose Flash

Rhododendron Melrose Flash is a beautiful bi coloured rhodo of pink, white and yellow Stunning foliage that is wider than it is tall. Will grow to 1.5m Flowers in November

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Rhododendron Van Dec

Rhododendron Van Dec has large pastel pink flowers in a well formed truss show themselves to the utmost. Vigorous growth makes it look like it gets huge but it stays pleasantly under control. Always a fabulous display. Height 2m Flowering in October

Rhodo direct Rhododendron Anah Kruschke.
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Rhododendron Anah Kruschke

Rhododendron Anah Kruschke has lovely shiny foliage and an upright vigorous habit. Violet pink flowers have a dark red eye on the upper dorsal lobe. Anah Kruschke is best grown in full sun and acidic well drained soil. Heat and sun tolerant, it is also hardy to heavy frosts in winter. Height 1.5m Flowers in November

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Rhododendron Purple Splendour

Rhododendron Purple Splendour flower is broadly funnel-shaped, wavy edges, very deep purple with a large black blotch Height 1.5m Flowering in November

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Around the Nursery

Rhodo Walk

Did you know at Rhodo Direct we have a gorgeous display garden that is open to the public?

A large deciduous azalea shrub with clusters of white and pink flowers, surrounded by lush green leaves, features prominently in the garden setting.
Explore a serene garden with blooming purple and white flowers, verdant green shrubs, and majestic trees standing proudly under a clear blue sky—a picturesque scene reminiscent of Rachel's curated landscapes for Rhodo Direct.
Rachel's garden showcases pink and white rhododendron flowers, a charming pathway, and elegant potted plants in the background. Perfect for Rhodo Direct enthusiasts!
A variety of flowering plants in pots under a wooden pergola create a stunning display at the garden center, reminiscent of the lush selections you'd find on Rhodo Direct's Home Page.
Potted pink and white flowering plants from Rhodo Direct create a charming display on a pallet in an outdoor garden center, perfect for brightening up any home page.
Rhodo Direct's nursery showcases vibrant pink and white flowering plants in pots, all elegantly arranged under a wooden pergola, perfect for inspiration on your home page.
A vibrant garden with various colorful flowering shrubs and a narrow path under a clear blue sky, reminiscent of a scene from Rhodo Direct's stunning Home Page.

October's Growing Guide

Treating Bud Blast.

Bud blast is a common fungal disease in rhododendrons that primarily targets the flower buds, preventing them from blooming. Affected buds may turn brown, black, or silvery grey, depending on the variety, and will eventually dry out, but they remain attached to the plant, becoming unsightly. Over time, these buds develop small black fungal bristles (setae) that cover them, which is one of the tell-tale signs of bud blast.

Close-up of a brown flower bud covered in small black aphids, surrounded by green leaves—a clear reminder of the importance of garden protection and plant care to prevent bud blast.

Bud Blast

Close-up of a brown, fuzzy bud on a rhododendron plant with glossy green leaves. The flower bud appears to be slightly open, revealing a small hint of the petals inside.

All About Buds

Close-up of a potted rhododendron with a large, tightly closed bud and green leaves. Other potted plants are visible in the background on a gravel surface.

Leaf v Flower Buds

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews

I found you to be so helpful. You really were! It is not often that people call and answer questions and spend the extra effort in helping others obtain just what they are looking for. You certainly were clear, communicated well about delivery times, and above all helpful in every way.

~ Annie

Your plants are the best rhodos I have seen for a VERY long time, and represent very good value for money

~ Ross

We have been delighted to receive two consignments from you in the past month, each of 6 rhododendrons. In both instances, your plants have travelled 538 km totally reliably within two days - arriving still moist, with foliage gratifyingly undamaged and just begging to be let out of their cartons to start new lives.   Thank you for the considerable time you spend ensuring that your rhodos reach us in such pristine condition

~ Jo & Richard

We are 1st-time customers. We want to thank your staff who we dealt with in our recent purchase. They arrived today in great condition and so quickly delivered to our door.

~ Dawn & Dave

Thank you so much for the advice in your newsletter- very timely as I was asking myself all those questions about fertilising and pruning.  It's great to be reminded in the season too.

~ Briar

Your information and help were great, nothing was a problem and the extra lengths that you went to oblige us was fantastic. We have no hesitation in recommending Rhodo Direct to anyone wanting that special Rhodo.

~ Brenda & Willy

Behind the Scenes

At RhodoDirect, we’re always growing and changing. Keep up with what’s happening at the nursery by visiting our monthly blog, where we share updates, gardening tips, and more. Click below to learn more!

A metal-framed greenhouse structure under construction, featuring wooden supports and a gravel floor, set outdoors with trees in the background. This project signifies big changes, promising a future of big growth for the garden.
Young plants in biodegradable pots sit on a wooden table, soil scattered around like nature’s gentle chaos. In the background, a tray brimming with more soil completes the earthy scene at Rhodo Direct.
Rows of young plants in small pots line the greenhouse, each marked with a label under the white plastic covering. Discover more about our selection on Rhodo Direct's home page.
On the Rhodo Direct site, a crane atop a truck skillfully hoists a small beige modular building with pristine white doors.
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