I fell in love with this Rhododendron while at Lowes last week and purchased it. I already have a Rosa Elegans and wanted another Rhodo to put near it that would compliment it's color. This will do the trick except Elegans is just starting to bloom now and this already is in full bloom. I figure, and please correct me if I am wrong, that this was probably grown in the south and because of the warmer temps there flowered sooner. But once it is established in my garden, it should bloom at the same time my Elegans blooms since this also says on the ticket that it is a late spring bloomer, which is what it said for the Elegans. Would I be correct in assuming this, or should I return it to Lowes and find a Rhododendron that blooms the same time?

Please refer to Dexter Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Scintillation') in the Gardn.org plants database.

One thing you will note is that this variety is NOT hardy colder than Zone 5a -28.9 °C (-20 °F) to -26.1 °C (-15 °F). Since you live in 5A, you should keep an eye on it for a few years until it is well established.

Thank you. Though I love it, I am debating whether to bring it back and get something that is for zone 4 just to be on the safe side. Oh, but those blooms!