Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Pieris are considered classic Pacific Northwest landscape plants. Mostly evergreen and Spring blooming, they thrive in our acidic soil and temperate climate and are reliably low maintenance and deer resistant. Rhodies and azaleas are available in a range of colors—mostly white, red, pinks, and purples. Read on to find out about some of our favorites!
Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are an iconic Pacific Northwest evergreen shrub prized for their spectacular Spring blooms in a wide range of colors. They thrive in shade to part sun, tolerate wet Winter soils, and need little Summer watering, with only occasional pest management required. Modern varieties have expanded well beyond the large, boldly colored shrubs of the past, with many compact options maturing at 3–4 feet and offering a broader, more refined color palette to suit today’s gardens.
Our Favorite Rhododendron Varieties
Rhododendron ‘Daphnoides’: 3-4′ tall and wide dwarf shrub; large trusses of violet blooms with small rounded, glossy dark green foliage; late spring bloomer
Rhododendron ‘Jean Marie De Montegue’: 5-6′ tall and wide; bright red blooms and thinner pinnate foliage with yellow veins; mid-spring bloomer
Rhododendron ‘Calsap’: 5′ tall and wide; blush/white blooms with dark burgundy blotch; eye-catching when mature and in bloom; mid-spring bloomer
Azaleas
Azaleas are a beloved staple of Pacific Northwest gardens, offering a brilliant burst of color each Spring. Close relatives of Rhododendrons, they thrive in similar conditions, preferring dappled shade to part sun and the region’s naturally acidic soils, and are equally low-maintenance once established. Newer varieties range from compact, mounding forms ideal for smaller gardens to larger specimens that make stunning focal points, with both deciduous and evergreen options available to suit a variety of landscape styles and seasonal interest.
Our Favorite Azalea Varieties
Azalea ‘Cannon’s Double’: very hardy; 6′ tall and 4′ wide; mass of multi-layered petals bloom in late spring in peach, pink, and cream; dark green foliage develops red-bronze highlights in fall; deciduous
Azalea ‘Hino-Crimson’: 3-4′ tall and 4-5′ wide; best-selling red azalea with bright red blooms starting in early spring; cold tolerant with plum colored winter foliage; great anchor for wooded gardens
Azalea ‘Girard’s Fuchsia’: 3-4′ tall and 4-5′ wide; stunning violet pink blooms that open in mid-spring; semi evergreen
Pieris (Andromeda)
Pieris is an elegant evergreen shrub that earns its place in the Pacific Northwest garden year-round, producing cascading clusters of delicate white or pink flowers in late Winter to early Spring alongside striking new foliage in vivid red or bronze. It thrives in part shade and acidic, well-drained soil, making it a natural companion to Rhododendrons and Azaleas in woodland-style plantings. With compact varieties topping out at 3–4 feet and larger ones reaching 8 feet or more, there’s a pieris to suit nearly any garden space.
Our Favorite Pieris Varieties
Pieris ‘Little Heath’: 3-4′ tall and wide dwarf with compact growth habit; smaller variegated foliage; tends to bloom more profusely if planted in early to mid afternoon sun
Pieris ‘FIRE N ICE’: 6-8′ tall and 5-6′ wide; slower growing; more shade tolerant; full sized variegated leaves with bright fiery red color as new growth emerges
Pieris ‘Purity’: 3-4′ tall and wide; compact growth habit; dark green glossy leaves contrast against pure white chains of bell-shaped flowers; perfect for pop of white in shade garden
The best time to buy Spring Flowering Shrubs is now! Stop in your local Dennis’ 7 Dees garden center to check out our wide selection and ask our friendly staff to help you select the perfect shrub for your garden.