Rhododendrons are a popular choice for residential and commercial landscaping, prized for their evergreen foliage and spectacular spring flower trusses. The cost of these shrubs is highly variable, largely depending on the plant’s maturity and size at the time of purchase. A large specimen offers immediate visual impact but represents a significant investment of time and resources by the nursery, which is reflected in the final cost. Understanding the metrics used by the horticulture industry is the first step in assessing the true cost of a large rhododendron.
Defining a “Large” Rhododendron for Pricing
The physical measurement of a rhododendron directly determines its price, moving from volume-based container sizes to literal height and width measurements as the plant matures. Smaller specimens are typically sold in standard nursery containers, with “large” generally starting at the five-gallon size. This five-gallon size usually represents a plant that is already two to three years old with an established root system.
The next tier of size includes ten-gallon and fifteen-gallon containers, which require several more years of growth and nursery maintenance. For the most mature and landscape-ready shrubs, nurseries move away from container volume and price based on the plant’s physical dimensions. These large plants are often sold as Balled and Burlapped (B&B) specimens.
B&B plants have been field-grown, dug up with their root ball intact, and wrapped in burlap to preserve the soil and root mass. These are measured by height and spread, often ranging from three feet tall up to six feet or more, representing the highest end of the “large” category. Specialized equipment is required for transport and planting due to the sheer volume and weight of these root balls.
Standard Price Ranges Based on Maturity
The cost of a rhododendron is directly proportional to the number of years it has been cultivated by the grower. A common hybrid sold in a five-gallon container typically falls into a price range of $75 to $150. Moving up to a ten-gallon specimen, which offers a fuller, more mature shape, the price can climb to between $175 and $250.
For a true landscape statement, B&B specimens command the highest prices due to their significant age and size. A three- to four-foot B&B rhododendron can cost between $250 and $400. Prices increase sharply for premium, mature plants that are five to six feet tall and wide.
These large, fully-developed shrubs can exceed $500 and sometimes reach $800 or more for particularly rare or slow-growing cultivars. This price reflects the decade or more of care, water, and specialized labor invested in growing the shrub in the field.
Factors That Cause Price Fluctuation
Beyond simple size, the inherent qualities of the specific rhododendron cultivar introduce significant price variability. The growth rate of the species plays a large role, as many rhododendrons are slow-growing, often taking four to five years just to reach a five-gallon size suitable for initial sale. This extended cultivation time increases the nursery’s holding cost, which is passed on to the consumer.
Rarer species or unique hybrid cultivars may require specialized propagation techniques that are more labor-intensive than standard cuttings. Certain ornamental varieties with desired traits, such as unique leaf indumentum or specific flower colors, may need to be propagated through grafting or ground layering. This specialized production process is costly and time-consuming, resulting in higher value plants.
The method of growing also impacts the price, with field-grown B&B stock costing more than container-grown stock of a similar caliper. B&B shrubs are priced higher because of the intensive labor and heavy machinery required to dig and prepare the root ball for transport. The price of a plant certified as disease-free and grown to a high horticultural standard will always be higher than one of questionable health.
Understanding Vendor and Service Costs
The retail source of the plant material introduces a final layer of cost variation, especially when comparing big-box garden centers with specialized local nurseries. Large retail chains leverage bulk purchasing to offer popular, common rhododendron varieties at lower sticker prices. However, these stores typically offer a limited selection of sizes and cultivars.
Specialized local nurseries and landscape growers often carry a wider, curated selection that includes rarer species and larger, more established specimens. While the initial purchase price is often higher at these independent centers, it usually includes benefits such as expert advice on placement and care, which adds long-term value.
Purchasing a large rhododendron also involves unavoidable transactional costs that must be factored into the total investment. Delivery fees for large, heavy shrubs often start at $100 to $175, as they require specialized transport. Installation services by a professional landscaping firm can add a significant labor cost, especially for B&B plants that require mechanical assistance to properly site.
Many high-end nurseries also provide a limited warranty, such as a one-year guarantee, which covers a one-time replacement if the plant fails to establish. This service is rarely offered by discount retailers.