Rhododendron '(NEW) MATADOR'

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.

Matador is a name for a new rhododendron variety, however, it appears that the breeder did not check the registration list because there is already a rhododendron of that name - bred by Lord Aberconway from 1931. Anyway, we will call it 'the new' Matador. New Matador produces dark red, glossy flowers with yet darker red dotting on the upper petal. They come out from the first decade of May and bloom for about 3 weeks. Evergreen leaves are leathery, thinner than usual, slightly undulated, dark olive green, smooth, and partially glossy. New Matador forms a medium large, compact shrub a little wider than tall, and withstands full sun all year round.

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. Good hardiness confirmed to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 05-12-2018