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There’s something magical about the very first rhododendron flowers of the season. When the mornings are frosty, the air still has that winter bite, and most of the garden is quietly biding its time, these early bloomers jump the gun and deliver splashes of colour long before spring officially arrives.
Here at RhodoDirect, the hard frosts are certainly not stopping our early flowering rhododendrons. In fact, Crossbill is always the first to pop into flower for us. This year it’s a mass of soft apricot blooms, looking absolutely gorgeous under the protective canopy of our oak trees. That overhead shelter makes all the difference—those flowers sail through cold mornings without a mark.
Now, Christmas Cheer is a different story this season. I moved it from a nice sheltered spot to right in the middle of the paddock… and oh dear, it has been hammered by run after run of negative 3, 4, and 5-degree frosts. Those delicate pink blooms just haven’t stood a chance. It really does prove the point that even under deciduous trees like oaks, planes, and cherries, the bare winter branches still offer enough frost protection to keep those precious flowers looking their best.
Our Kaponga isn’t out yet—and I think that’s because it’s “hardened” in the more exposed part of the garden. It knows to wait just a little longer before bursting into flower. That extra patience means its rich red blooms will open when the worst of the frost has passed.
Over autumn and winter, so many customers have been admiring our display garden and commenting on how lade
n wi th flower buds our rhododendrons are this season compared to theirs. I think the reason is
simple—we had such a “soft” summer, with temperatures in the mid-20s rather than the usual early-to-late 30s, and plenty of rain. The plants were never stressed, so they could put all their energy into strong growth and producing numerous flower buds. The result? A truly spectacular show for this year’s flowering season.
I love how these early flowering rhododendrons tease you—giving that first burst of colour and hinting at the incredible display to come as spring really takes off. If you want to enjoy flowers while winter still has a grip on the mornings, it’s worth planting a few early varieties like Crossbill, Christmas Cheer, and Kaponga. They’ll make you smile when the rest of the garden is still waking up.
Our Top Picks for Early Flowering Rhododendrons
If you’re looking to add early-season colour to your garden, these tried-and-true varieties are well worth considering:
Rhododendron ‘Crossbill’ – Soft apricot blooms in abundance, reliably the first to flower here at RhodoDirect, with good frost tolerance when grown under shelter.
Rhododendron ‘Christmas Cheer’ – Cheerful pink buds opening to blush flowers, one of the earliest to bloom, best with frost protection.
Rhododendron ‘Kaponga’ – Vibrant red flowers, hardy and sun-tolerant, flowering in early September.
Rhododendron ‘Cornubia’ – A tall, dramatic variety with brilliant red trusses, often showing colour before spring is officially here.
Rhododendron ‘Seta’ – Delicate pale blooms on a compact plant, ideal for smaller spaces or adding a subtle touch to the early garden.
Planting a selection of these early flowering rhododendrons will give you colour when most of the garden is still sleeping—proving that winter doesn’t have to be dull.
- Care Tip for Early Flowering Rhododendrons
Early flowers can be vulnerable to frost damage. To keep them looking their best: - Plant in a sheltered spot, ideally under deciduous trees or near buildings that provide protection.
- Mulch well to keep roots insulated.
- If frost is forecast during flowering, gently drape frost cloth or a light sheet over the plant overnight, removing it in the morning so pollinators can visit.
With a little protection, you’ll enjoy your blooms for much longer—well before spring really kicks in.