Rhododendron russtussum ‘Ken Burns’ is a vigorous-growing evergreen rhododendron valued for its fine foliage and delicate floral display. The small blue flowers, each about the size of a thumbnail, are produced in contrast to the plant’s neat, small leaves, which are roughly fingernail-sized, giving the plant a refined and textural appearance.
Reaching approximately 1.2–1.5 metres in height, this variety forms a strong, healthy shrub with good structure, making it suitable for woodland gardens, sheltered borders, or collectors’ plantings where close-up detail can be appreciated.
In colder winter conditions, the foliage can take on an attractive bronze tint, a natural response to low temperatures. As soon as warmer weather arrives, the leaves quickly return to green, often almost overnight. This variety is frost hardy and well suited to cooler climates.
Rhododendron russtussum ‘Ken Burns’ performs best in acidic, well-drained soil, with consistent moisture and some protection from harsh afternoon sun. Its combination of fine foliage, seasonal colour change, and subtle blue flowers makes it a distinctive and rewarding plant for the garden.

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