R. 'Tabitha'

Rhododendron ‘Tabitha’

One of the most exciting early-blooming rhododendrons, ‘Tabitha’ is prized for its brilliant red flowers that can appear in late winter or very early spring, bringing an unexpected burst of color to the garden when few other rhododendrons are in bloom. Its tightly packed, ball-shaped trusses hold numerous open, wavy-edged flowers in a rich, vivid red, creating a spectacular early-season display.

Bred by the renowned hybridizer Elsie Watson, ‘Tabitha’ resulted from the cross ‘Unknown Warrior’ × ‘Ole Olson’ × R. strigillosum. Watson described it as a “true harbinger of spring,” and its early flowering is perhaps its greatest distinction. The plant grow to be 5 ft tall in 10 years with foliage similar to R. strigillosum. 

The plant develops into an attractive upright evergreen shrub with dark, glossy foliage, providing year-round interest even when it is not in bloom. ‘Tabitha’ is an especially desirable choice for collectors who appreciate rare rhododendrons and unusually early flowers.