Old Port Rhododendron: A Striking Display of Deep Plum-Purple Blooms

Old Port Rhododendron is a vigorous evergreen shrub renowned for its rich plum-purple flowers and glossy foliage. This stunning variety blooms in late spring to early summer, producing rounded trusses of funnel-shaped, deep plum-purple flowers. Each bloom features frilled lobes and striking black spotting in the throat, adding depth and elegance to its floral display. The velvety texture and ruffled edges enhance its visual appeal, making it a standout addition to any garden.

The evergreen foliage of Old Port is just as impressive as its flowers. Its thick, leathery leaves are a deep, glossy green, maintaining their vibrant appearance year-round.  With a well-rounded, bushy growth habit, this rhododendron reaches a height of 1.5 to 1.8 meters (150-180 cm) within 10 years, making it an excellent choice for creating structure and depth in garden landscapes.

Old Port Rhododendron is easy to grow and thrives in most garden settings. It performs best in dappled shade with well-draining, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, promoting healthy growth and abundant flowering. This hardy variety withstands cooler climates, providing a spectacular floral display season after season.

Whether planted as a striking specimen or incorporated into a mixed border, Old Port Rhododendron adds a touch of classic elegance to any garden. Its deep, velvety blooms contrast beautifully against the glossy green leaves, creating a breathtaking visual impact. This variety is ideal for woodland gardens, shaded beds, or as a feature plant in formal and informal landscapes alike.

Enhance Your Garden with Old Port Rhododendron!

Transform your landscape with the rich, regal hues of Old Port Rhododendron. With its stunning deep purple blooms, glossy evergreen foliage, and reliable growth, this variety is a must-have for any garden enthusiast. Order yours today and enjoy a magnificent display of colour and texture year after year!

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