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.

Behind the scenes, potting up never really seems to stop here at the nursery. Right now, all the cuttings are graduating from their jiffy pots into their 2-litre pots. It really does feel a bit like a ceremony — the babies are off to school.

We are currently using PostHaste as our preferred domestic courier. Freight per box works out most economically when purchasing either two or four plants, as this fills the boxes we create efficiently. The freight cost for one plant is generally the same as for two, and we can fit up to four 6-litre pots into one banana box, making shipping cost-effective.

Please note, courier freight is also governed by plant height, as PostHaste cannot accept anything over 1.2 metres. Occasionally this may mean selecting a slightly shorter plant for shipping, but rest assured — we always aim to send you the largest, healthiest plants possible. If there’s a significant size difference, we’ll always give you a call to discuss your options.