Rhododendron 'DORA AMATEIS'

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.

Rhododendron Dora Amateis is an old favourite from the USA, bred in 1951 by Edmond Amateis from Brewster, New York. The plant is a cross between r.minus and r.ciliatum, and bears profusion of pure white, funnel-shaped flowers in May. The evergreen leaves are unique for a dwarf rhododendron, unlike many others with small, oval leaves, this one has medium-sized, narrowly elongated, glossy, leathery leaves with a pointed tip. They resemble those of another variety called Robert Seleger. Slow grower.

Dwarf rhododendrons seldom require deadheading. 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. Dora Amateis is hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5b) and is expected to take a couple of degrees more.

Last update 14-02-2013