Rhododendron ‘Ken Janeck’

* Common name: Rhododendron ‘Ken Janeck’

* Botanical name: Rhododendron yakushimanum x Rhododendron smirnowii ‘Ken Janeck’

* What it is: A compact, broad-leafed, early-May-blooming evergreen shrub that gets dark-pink flower buds that open to pale pink and then turn white. Leaves have fuzzy undersides. One of the toughest rhodies. Seldom bothered by bugs or even deer.

* Size: 3 feet tall with a 4- to 5-foot spread

* Where to use: Ideal for shade and part-shade spots, i.e. along eastern or northern foundations or in dappled light around trees.

* Care: Prefers acidic and light, well drained soil and an annual spring scattering of Holly-tone. Water in a drought. No spraying and little, if any, pruning needed.

* Great partner: Sweet woodruff, dwarf astilbe ‘Pumila’ and foamflowers all make nice underplantings. Or surround with white or pink impatiens for summer color.

Same planting after flowers have turned from pink to white.