Rhododendron Alex Holmes
Neat foliage and a tidy, compact frame make Rhododendron 'Alex Holmes' an easy rhododendron for a smaller garden. Through spring it carries rounded trusses of soft lavender-pink flowers above dense, healthy leaves, giving a gentle wash of colour rather than a loud one. The close, well-furnished habit holds its shape without much help.
Alex Holmes suits the front or middle of a shaded border, a woodland planting, or a large container on a shaded patio or courtyard. It groups well in threes for a soft drift of colour and sits comfortably in cottage gardens, woodland schemes, and shade plantings. The compact size makes this rhododendron a sound choice for townhouse gardens and courtyards where space is tight.
Plant in dappled shade or morning sun in free-draining, acidic soil enriched with compost or leaf mould. Shelter from harsh afternoon sun and drying wind keeps the foliage in good condition, with the shallow roots responding well to annual mulching. Rhododendron foliage is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten in quantity.
Alex Holmes reaches around 1 m tall and wide at maturity, growing slowly and staying compact with little work.
Trimming: Rhododendrons need very little pruning. After flowering in spring, remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems and lightly shape to keep the form neat. Avoid cutting hard into old, bare wood, as rhododendrons can be slow to reshoot from it.
Deadheading: Deadheading is not essential. If you have time, snap off the spent flower trusses by hand once flowering finishes, which tidies the plant and channels energy into next season's growth rather than seed. Take care not to damage the new buds forming just below.
Fertilising: Feed in early spring with a fertiliser made for acid-loving plants, such as rhododendron, azalea, and camellia food. A second light feed after flowering supports new growth. Avoid lime and high-nitrogen lawn fertilisers, which the shallow roots dislike.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially through the first two summers and in dry spells. The shallow, fibrous roots dry out quickly, so water deeply and mulch with bark or leaf mould to hold moisture. Rainwater is better than hard tap water where possible.
Pest Control: Thrips are the main concern in NZ, silvering the upper leaf surface in warm, dry weather, while two-spotted mite and scale insects can also appear. Treat with horticultural oil, keep plants well watered, and improve airflow around the foliage.
Disease Management: Most problems trace back to soil and drainage. Phytophthora root rot causes wilting and dieback in wet, heavy ground, so plant in free-draining soil or a raised position. Petal blight can mark the flowers in warm, humid spring weather; remove affected flowers promptly.
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For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
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