Rhododendron 'Elizabeth Red Form' (Red Rhododendron)

'Elizabeth Red Form' is a distinctive low-growing rhododendron that breaks from the typical upright shrub habit to spread wide and stay relatively compact in height. The flowers are a true, clear red, trumpet-shaped and held in loose trusses in mid-spring, and the plant's spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for slopes, rock gardens, or the front of a mixed shrub border where the horizontal form adds structural contrast.

This variety performs especially well in the cool, humid conditions of the Oregon coast, where the flower color holds without bleaching and the moisture-retentive soils support the shallow root system. Acidic, well-drained soil with generous organic matter gives 'Elizabeth Red Form' the best possible start.

The spreading habit of 'Elizabeth Red Form' makes it useful as a low-maintenance groundcover on a gentle slope or a flowing anchor plant at the base of taller shrubs and trees.