Percy Wiseman Rhododendron Makes a Color-Changing Show in the Spring Garden
A small shrub with big color.
'Percy Wiseman' is a special rhododendron because of its color-changing flowers, which appear in great numbers in mid- to late spring. As its bloom progresses, several different hues show at the same time. Compared to many other rhododendrons, 'Percy Wiseman' also offers a small to moderate size that suits it to mixed borders and foundation plantings. In other words, this rhododendron will not get big enough to block the windows.
Common name: ‘Percy Wiseman’ rhododendron
Botanical name: Rhododendron x’Percy Wiseman’
Exposure: Part shade or filtered sun. Full sun in northern locales and with consistently moist soil.
Flowers: 'Percy Wiseman' rhododendron begins to bloom in mid-spring. Each blossom head is a sphere made up of two-inch-wide flowers. The buds are a deep hot pink shade, opening to medium pink flowers. Over time the flowers develop yellow throats and markings and fade first to a paler peachy-pink and then to cream.
Foliage: Evergreen. The leaves are deep green in color, leathery and oval shaped.
Habit: 'Percy Wiseman' is a compact rhododendron, reaching three to four feet tall and four to five feet wide, with a round shape.
Origins: This is a hybrid rhododendron that includes the species R. yakushinamum in its heritage. Yak rhododendrons, as such are called, have especially compact growth, cold tolerance, resistance to pests and diseases and tolerance of sun (with ample moisture). 'Percy Wiseman' was bred at Waterers Nurseries in the UK and introduced to the nursery trade in 1958. It is named for one of the leaders of the rhododendron-breeding program at Waterers.
Related: Rhododendrons love acidic soil and so do these beautiful North America–native shrubs and trees.
How to grow it: ‘Percy Wiseman’ rhododendron prefers partial shade or dappled light, but it can withstand full sun in cooler climates and soil that never dries out. Like all rhododendrons, it needs well-drained acidic soil. It grows best with rich soil high in organic matter, such as would be found in a woodland setting. This rhododendron has a nice shape and remains relatively small, but if you feel you must prune it, do so immediately after it flowers. It is crucial to keep rhododendrons consistently watered while they are getting established. Once established, and in the proper position, they are low maintenance. 'Percy Wiseman' rhododendron is appropriate for USDA Zones 5 through 9.
Related: Got an overgrown rhododendron? Correct it with renewal pruning.
