Rhododendron 'KALINKA'

Yakushimanum rhododendrons were first discovered in early 1900’s on a small island off southern coasts of Japan called Yaku. They grew happily on rocky slopes of this mountainous island in full sun, and were constantly disturbed by wind. Their habit was compact and not very tall. All these features seemed very promising and deserved better examination. The first plants were sent to the UK by a Japanese grower Koichiro Wada in 1934, which set off a long programme of hybridizing brand new, fantastic plants.

Kalinka is a yakushimanum rhododendron bred by Hans Hachmann in 1983. It flowers are a unique combination of light pink, deeper lilac pink at frilled margins, and orange markings in the throat. They open from almost red buds in the middle of May and densely cover the whole plant. The evergreen leaves are leathery, narrowly ovate, partly glossy, and deep green, their margins slightly curve downwards, and they emerge covered with silvery indumentum as a protection against sun and wind until they mature. 10-year-old plant is about 1m tall and a little wider.

Tests proved that deadheading of these hybrids does not influence formation of flower buds for the following season. However, as these plants are slow growers, making short new branches, deadheading significantly improves their appearance since the new shoots cannot cover the unsightly dry seed-pods that followed the flowers.

Yakushimanum rhododendrons grow slowly, forming compact mounds. Their mature leaves usually have indumentum of various colours on the undersides. They thrive in full sun and partial shade, they can take full shade, too, but is not ideal. The soil has to be reasonably fertile, well-drained, cool, constantly moist, and of low pH (6 or less) = acidic. They do not require nitrogen but need iron and phosphorus. Their roots spread outwards and are very shallow, therefore never plant them too deep. When planting mix good, lime-free compost with quality peat or leaf mould, and add some slow-release fertilizer. To conserve moisture and to suppress weeds keep them mulched all year round. The layer of mulch should not be too high so that their delicate roots can breathe. No pruning required. Kalinka is hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update: 24-02-2013