Rhododendron 'CASSATA'

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.

Cassata is a striking variety of rhododendron with light rosy-pink flowers that have a super-contrasting blotch of deep red colour. The individual flowers are 6-7 cm wide and come out very late – in early June and last through the hot days of early summer for 2-3 weeks. Leaves are deep green. This shrub grows about 1m wide and tall when 10 years old. Hybridized by H.Hachmann in 1997.

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. Fully hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), possibly more.

Last update 29-12-2008