Rhododendron plant named ‘UMNAZ 502’

Abstract

A new cultivar of hybrid Rhododendron plant named ‘UMNAZ 502’ that is characterized by its irregularly rounded and compact plant habit reaching 1.4 m in height and width after 15 years of growth, its abundance of flowers that are dark red in color in mid to late May in Minnesota with the red color retained throughout the bloom period without substantial fading prior to abscission, its good cold hardiness with flower buds that are resistant to cold damage and consistently bloom even when exposed to temperatures as low as −30° F., and its good foliar tolerance to powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.

It is claimed: 
     
       1. A new and distinct cultivar of  Rhododendron  plant named ‘UMNAZ 502’ as herein illustrated and described.