Rhododendron wardii 'GOLDSPRENKEL'

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.

5-6 cm wide flowers of pure yellow flowers with chocolate brown speckles is a miracle from Hans Hachmann nursery in Germany and is called Goldsprenkel and was first introduced in 2004. By the way, another of their very successful yellow flowering hybrids is called Goldprinz^®. This unique variety was bred from a Tibetan subspecies rhododendron wardii which bears broadly funnel-shaped flowers that come out from first until the last decade of May. Leaves are deep green, not very glossy, ovate. It grows slowly and compact.

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. Hardiness was so far tested to -21°C, but is expected to withstand -24°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 29-12-2008