Ericaceae
California rose bay
Rhododendron macrophyllum
Also known as Rhododendron californicum, Hymenanthes macrophylla, Hymenanthes californica, California rosebay rhododendron
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Rhododendron · Native · Pacific Northwest · Evergreen · Shrub · Spring Bloomer · Acidic Soil · Woodland · Ornamental · Shade Garden
California rose bay is a stunning native evergreen shrub that produces large clusters of rose-pink flowers in spring. It thrives in cool, moist, partially shaded conditions with acidic, well-draining soil — avoid alkaline or waterlogged ground. Once established, it requires minimal pruning but benefits from consistent moisture during dry summers.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 4 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply to keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged; mulch to retain moisture · Every 7-10 days
- Maintenance
- Moderate
- Soil
- sandy loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7
- Temperature
- -20°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Cutting
Hardiness
USDA 3a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 2 ft – 8 ft
- Spread
- 7 ft
- Spacing
- 60 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Shallow
- Flowers
- Purple
- Foliage
- Green · Coarse
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- British Columbia, California, Oregon, Washington
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Sources: trefle, usda
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