Rhododendron 'CAROLINA SPRING'

Carolina Spring is an awesome rhododendron variety from the USA. It has deep green, glossy leaves with rich cream to light yellow variegation which may take up 30-50% of adult leaves and even more on young ones. Moreover, the leaf margins are curved down. They cover the plant completely making a healthy and rich appearance.

Flowers are lilac pink to light violet and come out in small trusses in late May for 2-3 weeks. The shrub grows moderately, about 1m tall and 1.5m wide in 10 years. Variegated rhododendrons are commonly recommended for shaded or partly shaded locations protected especially from drying sun in late winter and early spring. Our specimen has some winter sunlight and survived with no damage even in harsh winter of 2011/2012.

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 min. -24°C (USDA zone 5-6), possibly more.

Last update 16-10-2012