Rhododendron Rocket is a captivating medium-sized hybrid that will add a burst of vibrant colour to your garden. This stunning variety is known for its brilliant magenta flowers, each accented with a splash of dark scarlet at the throat, creating a dramatic visual impact. The flowers are delightfully frilly, with prominent protruding stamens that add to their charm. Flowering in October, this rhododendron brings a bold statement to the garden.

The glossy, dark green leaves are a feature in themselves, measuring 4 inches long and heavily veined. When new, they emerge with a striking coppery bronze tint, gradually maturing to a rich green that provides a lush backdrop for the vivid flowers. The plant’s upright habit and thick foliage make it an excellent choice for hedging or as a standout specimen in your garden.

Rhododendron Rocket is remarkably winter hardy, making it well-suited to colder climates. With proper care, it can grow to a minimum height of 150cm in 10 years. Its robust nature and dramatic colour make it a favourite for both seasoned gardeners and beginners looking for a reliable and show-stopping addition to their landscape.

Parentage: Unknown

Minimum Height after 10 Years: 150cm

Flowering Time: October

Whether you’re looking to brighten a shady spot or add structure to your garden, Rhododendron Rocket is a fantastic choice. Its stunning blooms, hardy nature, and lush foliage are sure to make it a centerpiece in your outdoor space.

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