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RHODODENDRON 'Homebush'

Image of Rhododendron 'Homebush' (Knap Hill Hybrid)

David C. Royster

Family

Ericaceae

Botanical Name

RHODODENDRON 'Homebush'( Knap Hill Hybrid)

Plant Common Name

Deciduous Azalea

General Description

Dense clusters of luminous deep cherry-pink semi-double flowers adorn this popular Knap Hill Hybrid azalea in late spring, before the foliage has fully emerged. This upright open medium-sized shrub has elliptical light-green leaves that color nicely in fall.

Developed in the late nineteenth and early twentienth centuries at the famed Knap Hill Nursery in England, Knap Hill Hybrids are deciduous azaleas whose ancestry includes the Ghent and Molle hybrids and several Japanese and American species.

Azaleas prefer sites with partial shade and highly organic acid soil that is evenly moist but well drained. Plant them shallowly and mulch well to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. They prefer warm summers and cool winters and require some winter cold for good growth. The flower buds develop in summer for the following spring’s display, so prune shortly after flowering, if necessary. It is best to place them where they will not require restrictive pruning.

Knap Hill azaleas are popular for woodland gardens, shaded beds and borders.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m

  • Width

    5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink, Rose

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Red, Burgundy, Bronze

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Semi-Double

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No