Rhododendron 'TORTOISESHELL ORANGE'

The history of Tortoiseshell rhododendrons begins already in 1877 when Walter Charles Slocock, one of the most enthusiastic rhododendron lovers and breeders, purchased a nursery at Goldsworth near Woking southwest of London, England. Interesting fact is that he bought it for £1,750 and by the time he died in 1926 his personal fortune amounted to about £244,000. No wonder, he was very active in his passion and bred many rhododendron varieties of which 58 were registered either by him or by his son Walter Ashley who, along with his brother Oliver Charles, took over the nursery after father's death and continued in his work. Still, most if not all of the varieties bear Walter's name as the inventor even though they were introduced and registered after his death.

Tortoiseshell Orange is an awesome rhododendron hybrid from 1954. It combines soft golden yellow and pale salmon pink shades resulting in a beautiful pastel orange colour. Freshly opened flowers and in morning light they appear more pink, mature ones and in afternoon sun they turn more orange. They are quite large, campanulate, and open in early June.

Evergreen leaves are elongated, elliptic, mid green, with slightly curved margins. These hybrids have come from crossing r.dichroanthum, r.fortunei, and r.griersonianum, and owing to the last one mentioned we suggest growing this variety in a sheltered spot, protected from winter sunlight and drying winds. It grows medium fast to a shrub almost 2m tall and wide with less rounded habit, rather a flat top.

In order to keep the plants looking nice and clean 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, rich in humus, cool and always moist. Ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil topped with leave-mould. Use selective fertilizers for rhododendrons only. Place it in full sun or partial shade. Hardy to abt. -23°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update: 23-02-2016