Rhododendron ‘Homestead’ is a beautiful and vigorous evergreen hybrid rhododendron (parentage: griersonianum × Ilam Alarm) raised by E. Stead and introduced by Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, NZ. This robust shrub typically reaches around 1.8 m (6 ft) in 10 years and forms a compact, garden worthy shape with glossy dark green leaves and silvery indumentum that provide attractive foliage year round.
In October–November, Homestead produces bold cardinal red, funnel shaped flowers in full umbels of 16–18 blooms, each with distinctive deeper dorsal spotting that gives gardens a vibrant seasonal show. These rich red trusses are ideal for creating colour contrast in mixed borders, specimen plantings, or alongside other spring flowering rhododendron varieties.
Rhododendrons perform best in well drained, acidic soil, with morning sun and afternoon shade to protect blooms and leaves from harsh midday sun and retain consistent moisture. They are hardy and low maintenance when established, rewarding gardeners with reliable spring flowering and evergreen structure year after year.
Whether you’re creating a show stopping garden border or a colourful mixed shrub bed, Rhododendron ‘Homestead’ delivers vibrant red spring blooms and evergreen appeal.
Order online now to secure this stunning red rhododendron for your garden!
Visit RhodoDirect nursery in person to see this beauty in bloom and get expert planting tips.

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