Be sure to use a well drained soil medium when planting any Rhododendron as they prefer fall planting with less watering than you might think. In NC our soil is clay so we prefer to use pine bark soil conditioner when planting Camellia, Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, and Azalea.
Firestorm Rhododendron
Rhododendron x 'Firestorm' (H-1)
Similar to other late spring blooming rhododendrons, Firestorm is most commonly known for its deep, dark red blooms featuring that familiar crinkle, cup-shaped flower. Hybridized by Dr. Gustac Mehlquist of the University of Connecticut, its broad, evergreen leaves contrast beautifully against its flowers during blooming season, also creating a lovely texture year round pairing well under taller shade producing trees as well as with fellow shade loving companion plants such as other rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas. Hardy in zones 4 through 8, they thrive in the shade and grow to a height of 3 feet and width of 3 feet at maturity.
Be sure to use a well drained soil medium when planting Rhododendron as they prefer less watering than you might think. In clay soil we prefer planting with pine bark soil conditioner for Camellia, Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Azalea.