The Nova Zembla Rhododendron is grown for its extremely showy spring flowers and evergreen leaves. It is covered in neon pink, almost red blossoms in the spring that grow in large, extremely showy clusters. The large evergreen leaves generally last well through the winter in a protected site. It grows to around 5 feet tall by 5 feet wide and is dense and mounding.

In our climate, rhododendrons should be grown in part shade. They cannot tolerate the afternoon sun. This plant prefers a specific culture of well-drained, moist, and organically rich soil. It should not be allowed to dry out or be planted in areas with winter winds. It works best as an accent, foundation plant, or in a woodland garden.