Rhododendron 'PRAECOX'

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.

Praecox rhododendron is a very early flowering hybrid between Rhododendron ciliatum a Rhododendron dauricum. It starts flowering from early April, exceptionally end March, when the snow has melted and other plants are only soaking in first warmth from early spring sun. Its flowers are rosy-pink to lilac-purple, 4-5 cm wide. Evergreen leaves are small, ovate to rounded and older leaves usually fall down when new ones mature which is not a manifestation of an illness. Thrives in full sun.

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 03-01-2009