Rhododendron (dauricum) 'INCREDIBLE'

Dauricum rhododendron is a very hardy species native to a large area ranging from Altai Mountains (Easter Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia) to East Asia (Japan, Sakhalin Island). It is less demanding as to soil conditions and withstands open sites and very low temperatures (down to -32°C). Being such a tough plant, I am puzzled why it is not used more often for hybridising with other species - so far only 2 varieties have been described and they are not even available in trade. No wonder that when Holger Hachmann crossed it with r.degronianum ssp. yakushimanum the result was aptly named Incredible.

Incredible is a dauricum rhododendron hybrid with reliable evergreen foliage and fantastic flowers. They are single, rich lilac pink, wide open, and come out among the earliest rhododendrons - from early April. Leaves are leathery, shortly elliptic, medium green, and partially glossy. It grows slowly into a compact, prostrate shrub about 50 cm tall and 80 cm wide in 10 years. It loves full sun or partial shade.

Rhododendron 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. Hardiness confirmed to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), yet it is believed to take much stronger frost.

Last update 03-12-2018