California rose bay

Rhododendron macrophyllum

Rhododendron

Ericaceae

Flowering Plants

Zone 3–9

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.

Toxicity Warning

Known to be toxic to dogs, cats, horses.

Care Requirements

Care Level

Moderate

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

Moderate

Growth Rate

Moderate

Mature Height

24″ – 96″

Soil

sandy loam

Life Cycle

Perennial

Spacing

60″

Flowers

purple

Watering Schedule

Every 7-10 Days • Water Deeply To Keep Soil Consistently Moist But Never Waterlogged; Mulch To Retain Moisture

Soil pH

5.5 – 7

Temperature

-20° – 95°F

Mature Spread

up to 84″

Root Depth

Shallow

Foliage

Coarse

Propagation: Seed, Division, Cutting

Ecology & Origin

Native to

British Columbia

California

Oregon

Washington

Attracts

🐝 Bees

🐝 Butterflies

🐝 Hummingbirds

Safety & Use

Toxic to dogs

Toxic to cats

Toxic to horses

Sources

Data: trefle, usda

Image: trefle.io — Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Hardiness Zones

Check your zone:

Available From (0)

No nurseries currently have this species in stock.