Rhododendron calophytum 'DOMINIK'

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.

Calophytum is an exotic type of rhododendron from Tibet which can grow into a size of a small tree. Its main attraction are extra large leaves: 20-30 cm long. They are dark green and matt, and are composed into a regular rosette around the flower head. Dominik is a variety with light pink, bell-shaped flowers with a dark blotch. In cool and moist soil it will do well in full sun which, along with its other features, makes it ideal for summer-styled or tropical looking landscapes.

For richer flowering and growth 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 leaf-mould. Experienced hardiness to -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update: 21-12-2008; 06-02-2019