Rhododendron ‘Lovelock’ is a distinctive and early flowering hybrid rhododendron developed by the Dunedin Rhododendron Group from a seedling of Rhododendron chrysodoron and registered in the 1970s. The plant typically forms a compact evergreen shrub reaching approximately 1 metre in height after ten years, making it suitable for mixed borders, rockeries, and sheltered garden corners where neat growth and early colour are desired.
The flowers tend toward a pale greenish yellow colour, which begins to open early in the season (often starting around late winter and continuing into early spring in NZ climates), extending the display period before many other varieties begin. Its densely scaly elliptic leaves contribute to its attractive evergreen foliage, offering garden interest outside of the flowering period.
Rhododendron ‘Lovelock’ is ideal for gardeners looking for a unique early flowering rhododendron with subtle tones and compact habit, particularly in well drained acidic soils with partial shade.

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