'Nova Zembla' is one of the iron-clad rhododendrons, an informal name that indicates rhododendrons that are easy to grow and are hardy, even in cold climates. Its flowers are bright red with darker spots that may fade to deep pink in bright sun and are up to 5 in. wide. It is an upright shrub growing 5 to 8 ft. tall and 5 to 6 ft. wide. 'Nova Zembla' means "New Land" and refers to an island off the northern coast of Russia.
'Nova Zembla' was hybridized by Koster & Sons of Boskoop, Holland and introduced in 1902. It was bred by crossing Rhododendron 'Parsons Grandiflorum' with an unnamed hardy red hybrid.
As with all rhododendron, we recommend amending the soil with Permatil or pine bark in order to improve drainage. Also planting them 1-2" high will help prevent root rot.