Rhododendron 'LAVENDULA'

Rhododendrons are reliable, beautifully flowering, evergreen shrubs of variable origin: S.W. China, Himalayas, Northern America, and even Europe. The original species were hybridized several times for better performance so in the 1950´s there were more than 10,000 cultivars registered, and the number keeps increasing.

Lavendula is a gentle touch of lilac-lavender colour in your ericaceous border. This slow growing rhododendron is a fantastic piece with medium-sized flowers that are much bigger than the leaves. Those are evergreen and leathery, elliptic with a sharp tip. It is a successful cross between the following three rhododendron species: 'russatum x saluenense' x rubiginosum. It was bred and introduced by one of the most contributing rhododendron breeders in Germany in 1952. Prefers sunny locations.

For richer flowering and growth dead-head where possible. The roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients. Never plant them too deep. The soil has to be acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), rich in humus, cool and always moist. Ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil topped with leaf-mould. Hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 10-02-2011