Rhododendron Red Olympia is a standout mid-season rhododendron prized for its cardinal-red buds that open to enormous, deep red flowers, heavily spotted with black and carried in impressive dome-shaped trusses. Flowering in November, it brings rich colour and drama to the spring garden when many other plants are starting to fade.
The plant forms an upright, symmetrical, moderately branched shrub, reaching approximately 1.5 metres tall at maturity. Its large, heavy, twisted foliage provides year-round structure and interest, making it just as attractive out of flower. Red Olympia performs well in dappled shade to morning sun, planted in free-draining, acidic soil with good organic matter.
Ideal as a feature shrub, specimen plant, or mixed woodland planting, this variety is perfect for gardeners wanting bold flower colour combined with strong foliage character. Like all rhododendrons, it benefits from mulching, consistent moisture, and shelter from harsh afternoon sun.
A classic, reliable rhododendron with exceptional flower size and colour, Rhododendron Red Olympia is a superb choice for New Zealand gardens seeking impact and longevity.

When you purchase a rhododendron, you will receive a well-established four-year-old plant grown in a 6L pot, with a strong root system and often developing flower buds, ready to settle in and thrive in your garden.

To help you plan for the plant’s eventual scale, the mature heights listed in the Product Information are estimated 10-year sizes from the time of planting. For more detail, please refer to our Size Guide in the FAQs.

Learn More: Size Guide

All our rhododendrons are grown in pots, so you can plant them anytime, though autumn is ideal for encouraging strong root growth. Find the right spot based on your chosen rhodo, improve the soil generously with organic matter, gently tease out the roots, and plant shallow at or just below the original soil level. Finally, mulch well and water thoroughly to help your plant establish.

Read more here | Planting & Soil Preparation Guide

Rhododendrons are rewarding and easy to grow once their basics are right — most issues come down to watering, drainage, or planting depth. Follow our planting guide for a great start, prune as needed, mulch annually to keep roots cool, and feed lightly in spring for a spectacular bloom later in the year.

Keep an eye out for common issues like powdery mildew or thrip, and address them promptly. We have plenty of information on caring for your rhododendron, and if you can’t find what you need, we’re always happy to talk all things Rhodos. Find a full overview in our General Care Guide (link below).

Read More: General Care Guide

We provide local delivery within Christchurch and ship nationwide via Post Haste, with all shipping costs calculated at checkout. Plants are carefully packed in sturdy banana boxes, and shipping is calculated based on this packaging. To maximise value, orders of 2–4 plants (up to 4 plants per box) are usually the most economical. Orders are dispatched Monday to Wednesday to avoid weekend delays.

Larger orders (10+ plants) may be sent via our bulk transport partner, Rockeater, for a cost-effective solution.

Every order is packed with care to arrive in excellent condition and ready to thrive. For full details, see our Shipping FAQs.

Learn More: Shipping Information