Amy Cotta Rhododendron Shrub

Amy Cotta Rhododendron Plants offer vividly-colored, ruffled rhody blossoms the most intense and dazzling pinky-lavender hue you've ever seen! The compact nature makes this azalea ideally suited for oversized decorative containers, while its early blooming nature will really brighten up your springtime landscape, flowering while many shrubs are still putting on their leaves. This slow-growing evergreen has incredibly dense foliage and is more darkly-colored, for a rhododendron, making this startling color stand out even more!

Proven Winners® 'Amy Cotta' Rhododendron x USPP 11,311

Companion Planting: Astilbe, Dicentra, Hydrangea

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in early spring or fall to avoid extreme weather conditions
• - Space plants 3-6 feet apart, depending on the variety and mature size

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 4.5-6.0, requiring acidic conditions
• - Prefers well-drained, loose, and organic-rich soil; avoid heavy clay or overly wet conditions

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
• - Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; Rhododendrons do not tolerate drought well

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, applied in early spring
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, as Rhododendrons are sensitive to excess nutrients

Pruning and Training:

• - Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant and encourage new growth
• - Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain healthy growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Monitor for common pests such as lace bugs, weevils, and spider mites
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew or root rot

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, depending on the variety
• - Protect from harsh winter winds and heavy snow in colder regions; mulch around the base to insulate roots