Rhododendron 'AZURWOLKE' rhododendron
Rhododendron
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.
Azurwolke is an extraordinary rhododendron bred by Hans Hachmann in 1961. It makes medium sized star-shaped flowers in rich trusses from late April or early May until second half mid May (C.E.). The leaves are unique – they are soft green when they emerge, and mature to dark olive green with some brownish overlay on the reverse. They are narrowly elliptic like bamboo leaves, evergreen, 4-8 cm long, and resemble those of Japanese rhododendron makinoi.
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. Reliably hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), and is expected take yet stronger frost.
Last update 15-09-2012
