FAQs

Size Guide

Our rhododendrons available for sale are well-established, four-year-old plants grown in 6L pots, with strong root systems and often developing flower buds — ready to settle in and thrive in your garden. Plant height at the point of sale varies by variety and growth habit.

As a general guide:

  • Varieties that mature at over 1.5 metres are usually sitting at around 60cm+ in height (not including the pot).
  • Varieties that mature at 1.2 metres or smaller may be anything from 20cm+ in height, but they are always strong, bushy, well-structured plants.

 

Understanding the Height in the Description (Mature Height)

The heights listed in each product description are estimated 10-year heights when planted in the ground.

These estimates are there to help you plan your garden long-term and understand the plant’s eventual scale.

Final size will always depend on:

  • Soil quality
  • Drainage
  • Sunlight
  • Watering
  • Ongoing care

 

Why This Matters

A well-grown four-year-old plant in a 6L pot gives you:

  • A strong root system ready to establish
  • A well-formed framework for future growth
  • Earlier flowering performance
  • A plant that transitions successfully from pot to garden

We grow our rhododendrons steadily and carefully, so when they arrive at your place, they are ready to thrive — not just survive.

 

📞 Need Exact Measurements?

If you would like the actual height of a specific plant at the time of purchase, please feel free to give me a call on 021 746 368. I’m always happy to check and give you an accurate measurement before you order.

Shipping

Christchurch Delivery
We offer hand delivery for orders within Christchurch.

Nationwide Shipping
For orders outside Christchurch, we use Post Haste as our preferred courier. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.

Plants are carefully packed in strong boxes to ensure they arrive safely. Up to four 6L plants fit comfortably in one carton, and the freight cost for one plant is often similar to two — making orders of two or four the most economical to ship.

Plant Height & Courier Limits
Courier freight is subject to height restrictions. Post Haste cannot transport plants taller than 1.2 metres.

Occasionally, this may mean selecting a slightly shorter plant for shipping. If there is a noticeable size difference, we will always contact you before sending.

Dispatch Timing
To reduce the risk of plants sitting in courier depots over the weekend, we dispatch orders Monday to Wednesday.

If you need your plants for a specific date, please let us know when ordering and we will do our best to accommodate.

Larger Orders (10+ Plants)
For larger orders — particularly 10 plants or more — we may use our specialist plant transport partner, Rockeater.

They collect from Christchurch and transport plants north, often providing a more cost-effective solution for bulk orders. Please note that Rockeater operates with a minimum charge equivalent to 21 plants (6L pots), making this option best suited to larger planting projects.

Our Packing Promise
Every order is packed with care to ensure your plants arrive in excellent condition and are ready to thrive when planted.

Guarantee

At RhodoDirect, every rhododendron is carefully checked before it leaves the nursery. If for any reason a particular plant doesn’t quite meet our high standards, we’ll contact you before dispatch to discuss your options.

We invite all customers to check their plants within 24 hours of arrival and contact us straight away if there are any concerns about quality or condition. After this time, we assume you’re happy with your order and that care of your plants has transferred to you.

We’re proud to say that we haven’t had a plant arrive damaged in transit — our courier partners handle our shipments with great care, and we package each plant securely to ensure it arrives in excellent condition.

Because we can’t assess the conditions your plants experience once they arrive, we’re unable to replace any plants that have died after delivery. However, if you have any questions about planting or care, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always happy to offer advice to help your plants thrive.

Our rhododendrons are grown outdoors in real garden conditions, not under glass. They’re hardy, resilient, and well adapted to New Zealand’s climate. While they are watered daily in the nursery, the most common cause of rhododendron loss is still underwatering. Keep the water up to them — not just during establishment, but throughout their lives. Consistent moisture is key to healthy growth and long-lasting blooms.