Garden hybrid
This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.
11 other cultivars
‘Double White’Double White Rhododendron
‘Bone Hardy Azalea Sampler’Bone Hardy Azalea
‘Double Pink’Rhododendron x hybrida Double Pink
‘Mezitt Elite Star’Mezitt Elite Star Rhododendron
‘Double Dark Pink’Double Dark Pink Rhododendron
‘Klondyke’Klondyke azalea
‘Golden Lights’Golden Lights Rhododendron
‘Arneson Gem’Arneson Gem Azalea
‘Inkarho’Inkarho Rhododendron
‘Perfecto Mundo Red’Perfecto Mundo Red Azalea
‘Bollywood’Bollywood Azalea
The Story
Plant Bio
Rhododendron x hybrida 'Elite Star' is a compact evergreen shrub with dense, leathery dark green foliage and clusters of funnel-shaped, bright pink flowers that bloom in spring.
This cultivar is valued for its vibrant flower display and its ability to maintain a tidy, compact form, making it ideal for small gardens and containers.
Uses & Benefits:
Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
60 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Keep soil moist and well-drained
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Lifespan
20+ years
Native To
Hybrid
Toxicity
All parts are highly toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Early spring – Late spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a partially shaded location with well-drained acidic soil.
- Tuck in organic compost to enrich soil before planting.
- Plant in early spring or fall, spacing 3–4 feet apart.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains consistently moist and acidic for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Prune after flowering to shape the shrub
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize with alkaline fertilizers
- Never prune in late summer or fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Elite Star Rhododendron questions
What zones can Elite Star Rhododendron grow in?
Elite Star Rhododendron is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Elite Star Rhododendron deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Elite Star Rhododendron, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Elite Star Rhododendron bloom?
Elite Star Rhododendron typically blooms in early spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Elite Star Rhododendron need full sun?
Elite Star Rhododendron does best in part shade.
More Rhododendron to compare
Catawba Rhododendron
Rhododendron catawbiense
Double White Rhododendron
Rhododendron x hybrida 'Double White'
Great Laurel Rhododendron
Rhododendron maximum
Flame Azalea
Rhododendron calendulaceum
Bone Hardy Azalea
Rhododendron x hybrida 'Bone Hardy Azalea Sampler'
Praecox Rhododendron
Rhododendron catawbiense 'Praecox'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Elite Star Rhododendron with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.