Better Rhododendron plants for the home landscape include:
Carolina Rhododendrons. 3 to 6 feet high and wide, with white, rose, or lilac flowers.
Catawba Rhododendron hybrids. 6 to 12 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet across, with lilac-purple to purplish-rose flowers; among the easiest to grow.
P.J.M. Hybrid Rhododendrons. Extremely popular now, they have small leaves, grow only 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, and are very heavy bloomers. Their small flowers are shades of bright lavender or pink. Their evergreen foliage turns plum-purple in fall and winter. One of the hardiest evergreen rhododendrons, they handle both cold and heat well. They bloom very early and can take full sun in most regions.
Yak hybrids are mature at only 2 or 3 feet tall and wide. Flowers bud and then blooms in a range of lovely colors over 2 weeks. Leaves are dark green with pale, furry undersides.