Rocky Knoll Farm
Creole Belle
$29
Hybridized in 1982, Croele Belle has ruby crimson stems and sprouts that give way to bright green new leaves, that turn to a deep forest green. It's beautiful and we haven't even gotten to the blossoms yet! The flowers of this lovely rhododendron are radiant magenta-pink with a dark burgundy pattern coming from the throat.
Give this hybrid full sun to partial shade and watch for blooms April-May. Our bloom photos were taken mid-April. Creole Belle is a tough cultivar that can grow to 5' tall in about 10 years, and is hardy to -5°F when protected from windchill.