Rhododendron (dauricum) 'STACCATO'

Dauricum rhododendron is a very hardy species native to a large area ranging from Altai Mountains (Easter Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia) to East Asia (Japan, Sakhalin Island). It is less demanding as to soil conditions and withstands open sites and very low temperatures (down to -32°C). It is also one of the parents of a very popular early blooming variety called Praecox.

Staccato is an American variety of rhododendron dauricum with rich pink double flowers. They open early in the season – often in late March. Leaves are semi-evergreen, small, elliptic, dark green, turning purple red in winter. It grows moderately into an airy shrub about 1.8m tall and wide, and thrives in full sun or part shade.

Rhododendron 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 leave-mould. Fully hardy to min. -32°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 29-01-2015