Rhododendron 'OLIN O. DOBBS'

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.

Olin O.Dobbs is a rhododendron variety named after its breeder, and I looked everywhere but could not find a single other rhododendron this American citizen hybridized. Could it be a one-hit-wonder? Still, it is a beautiful piece with large, dark purple red flowers decorated with a deep red, almost black blotch on the upper lip, and undulated margins. It is midseason to late and blooms from the second decade of May until about mid June. Evergreen leaves are long, elongated, and nice only if the plant is grown in good soil. Olin O.Dobbs rhododendron is a cross between r. 'Purple Splendour' and r. 'Mars', and forms quite a substantial shrub slightly wider than tall, and prefers dappled shade.

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. It is hardy to min. -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 01-02-2017