Rhododendron 'SHOWGIRL'

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.

Showgirl is a real showstopper. Dancing with its yellow can-can skirt of salmon orange/pink frilled margins it will cheer up every rhododendron bed. Flowers are large and early, they open in early May and continue blooming for about three weeks. Evergreen leaves are leathery, ovate, partly glossy, and lighter green since the whole plant exhibits a larger ratio of yellow pigment as opposed to red which is common in purple, red, and pink flowering rhododendrons. Showgirl is possibly the fastest growing yellow blooming rhodo hybrid.

For a better looking shrub 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 about 23°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 27-10-2015