Rhododendron 'LAUSITZ' 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.
Lausitz rhododendron is glowing like neon lights of Las Vegas. Its flowers are striking pink at margins, almost white inside, and decorated with a coppery orange blotch. They open from late May until mid June. Leaves are leathery, evergreen, dull green and rather matte.
For a better looking plant 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 leave-mould. Hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6) but it is expected to take stronger frost.
Last update 14-04-2015
