Rhododendron, Genus, 'Snowbird', Cultivar,
- Genus
- Cultivar
snowbird rhododendron
Garden hybrid origin (yakushimanum hybrid; purest white yak—fades to white fastest; very compact 2-3 ft; tan indumentum)
Overview
Rhododendron 'Snowbird' is an evergreen shrub reaching 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) tall with a spread of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) and a very compact, dense, low-mounding habit. An elepidote rhododendron (yakushimanum hybrid), it produces rounded trusses of 10-14 funnel-shaped flowers 2 inches (5 cm) wide in pure white to faintly blush-pink from deeper pink buds—the flowers open with a pink blush and quickly fade to pure white. The elliptic leaves 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) long are glossy dark green above with a light tan indumentum on the undersides. Growth rate is very slow. Hardy to zone 5. The purest white yakushimanum hybrid—while other yak hybrids hold more pink, 'Snowbird' fades to pure white rapidly.
Native Range
Rhododendron 'Snowbird' is a hybrid of garden origin involving R. yakushimanum.Suggested Uses
Planted in borders, rock gardens, or containers at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing. The purest white yakushimanum hybrid—fades to white fastest. Very compact (2-3 feet). Tan indumentum. White flowers show blemishes. Not suitable for alkaline soils, full sun, or dry conditions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pure white to faintly blush-pink from deeper pink buds; fades rapidly to white; funnel-shaped 2 inches; trusses of 10-14; May-JunFoliage Description
Glossy dark green above, light tan indumentum beneath; elliptic 3-4 inches; leatheryGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Hardy to zone 5. Very compact—no staking. White flowers show petal blight damage—good air circulation helps. Mulch to maintain cool moist roots. Very slow growing.Pruning
Deadhead spent trusses after bloom. Virtually no pruning needed—very compact form develops naturally.Pruning Schedule
Prune: June
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
