Rhododendron Kaponga

Kaponga Flowering in the Garden

One of the most well known and widely grown modern New Zealand red rhododendrons is called Kaponga. I suspect my biggish red shrub which grows near the glass-house is one of these. Naturally I have lost its plant label...

Surrounded by Plantings

My Kaponga rhododendron is completely surrounded by other plantings - grasses, roses, hebes and a stray Buddleia are near neighbours. There are two other rhododendrons in this area, but this strong red is the first to flower.

Flowering usually starts in the last week of September (our mid-spring), and keeps on for some time. The growth of the shrub is rather leggy and open, and occasionally in winter (when we have snow) its branches break off.

If the shrub itself were a little more compact the flowers would have more impact - as it is they seem to be flung far and wide from the central trunk of the rhododendron. Maybe some judicious pruning would be in order?

Red Rhododendron Kaponga Close-Up

There's no doubt that the flower heads are a beautiful colour, though. I hope I've got the name right!