A colorful large-leafed evergreen Rhododendron no garden should be without, 'Firestorm' offers late spring to early summer blooms that miss those freakish April frosts in the north, yet are heat-tolerant enough to flourish in the south as well. The mounding habit and compact size make it ideal for foundation plantings, hedges, and the border, and the superb cold-hardiness ensures survival through the toughest winters. 'Firestorm' is a very vigorous Rhodie, prepared to triumph over your worst garden challenges, season after season!The blooms are brilliant fire-engine red, single-flowered and about 3 1/4 inches wide. They arise in large, rounded clusters that really pop in the partly shaded garden. Expect them to continue for many weeks, the blooms luscious against the olive tones of the foliage.
Those olive tones aren't present in spring, however. The new foliage on this shrub emerges a bright shade of lime green, VERY eye-catching and distinctive. It gradually deepens, giving you a long season of unusual color.
'Firestorm' is the offspring of R. 'Vulcan' x R. 'Chocolate Soldier.' It thrives in partial shade, reaching 3 to 4 feet high and 3 to 6 feet wide. Cold-hardy to -25 degrees F, it is superior choice for zone 4 and 5 gardens where other Rhodies have been unhappy. Zones 4-8.
