Rhododendron keleticum 'LILLY BELL PEARL'

In 2015 German nursery Hellwig introduced their new series of dwarf rhododendrons named Lilly Bell. They are coloured selections of existing species where each variety presents the best of itself as far as flower colour and plant habit. The species included are campylogynum, keleticum, repens, ludolwi, and impeditum. Original plants are marketed in branded, colour-coded, 3-liter pots with the Lilly Bell fairy logo.

Lilly Bell Pearl is a dwarf and profusely flowering rhododendron producing medium-large, wide open flowers from late April until early June. They are soft lilac pink with some purple red dotting on the upper lip. Mounding habit, slow growth, neat, and compact shape make it a beautiful feature all year round. Its evergreen leaves are narrowly lanceolate with a conspicuous tip. Don’t prune this one, it keeps its neat shape without any help.

Grow this dwarf type in any location from full sun to full shade, just make sure it is always well mulched. 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. Fully hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), possibly more.

Last update 17-01-2018